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Ceramic Brick Cabin with Integrated Greywater Filtration

Authors:
Jack Hymowitz, Alec Rovensky, Elyse Killkelley
Ceramic Brick Cabin with Integrated Greywater Filtration
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Constructed with ceramic bricks, this meditation cabin integrates a greywater filtration system and embraces its natural landscape, offering a sustainable retreat for reflection and tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using four unique types of ceramic bricks to optimize light and ventilation.
02
Features a double-walled design that enhances storage and separates interior from outdoor spaces.
03
Includes a central basin for rainwater collection, serving as both a handwashing station and a filtration system.
04
Designed to create an integrated greywater canal that nourishes surrounding gardens.
05
Emphasizes sustainability by utilizing local materials and managing water resources effectively.

SCREEN PLAY is located in an area abundant in clay, designed as a meditation cabin. It focuses on creating a connection between the structure and the surrounding environment. The design aims to enhance natural light, promote airflow, and manage rainwater effectively, offering a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

Materials and Construction

Ceramic brick plays a central role in the design and construction of the cabin. Known for its strength and ability to regulate temperature, it is used thoughtfully throughout the structure. Through an iterative process, the design team developed four types of bricks that are arranged creatively, forming a pinwheeled layout. This arrangement not only supports the building’s stability but also enhances the way light interacts with the space.

Spatial Organization and Layout

The meditation cabin has a well-planned layout, featuring a double-walled section that separates the main area from an open-air courtyard. This design element serves both as storage and as a way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. It allows natural light to flow in while creating an atmosphere that encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors as an extension of their living area.

Water Management System

A key aspect of the design is an efficient rainwater management system. The cabin’s sloped roof directs rainwater into a central basin. This basin functions as a handwashing station and includes a filtration system. Rainwater passes through multiple layers, including sand and gravel, which filter it before it is used in the adjacent gardens. The careful handling of water reflects a commitment to sustainability, allowing for responsible use while enhancing local greenery.

Greywater from the basin flows into the gardens through a gently sloped canal. This design not only supports the plants around the cabin but also integrates the structure with its environment. It all works together to create a harmonious space where natural elements and architectural design coexist.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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