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Chakra Path Cabin Crafted with Rimu and Red Beech

Authors:
Gaia Barbieri, Giulia Lazzarini
Chakra Path Cabin Crafted with Rimu and Red Beech
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Constructed primarily from rimu and red beech, the cabin integrates a chakra path that thoughtfully engages visitors’ senses, ultimately serving as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from locally sourced rimu and red beech.
02
Incorporates a sensory path with installations representing each of the first six chakras.
03
Features a multifunctional porch for activities beyond meditation.
04
Utilizes folding walls for adjustable light and privacy in the meditation room.
05
Designed to operate with natural ventilation, enhancing user comfort.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in New Zealand and forms part of a sensory path connecting the main residence to the cabin. The structure spans 30 square meters and integrates the principles of the chakra system into its design. It offers a space for meditation and reflection, inviting visitors into an environment that fosters tranquility. Accessibility is a key consideration, with the cabin featuring a supporting platform that includes steps and a ramp, making it welcoming for everyone.

Design Concept

The central idea of the design is to create a journey through the first six chakras, represented by various installations made from natural and recycled materials. Each installation engages the senses and prepares visitors for meditation, culminating in the Meditation Cabin, which represents the seventh chakra, Sahasrara. The thoughtful use of natural light and the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces enhance the overall experience, creating a sense of harmony.

Spatial Configurations

The layout includes a porch that extends the usable area of the cabin, allowing for a connection between the indoors and the surrounding nature. This arrangement supports multiple uses, such as processing flower essences or enjoying quiet moments of reflection. With two glazed facades, the cabin invites light in while maintaining a visual connection with the landscape, making it an extension of the natural world outside.

Structural Features

The north facade features folding walls that offer several ways for users to interact with the outside environment. These walls provide the option for a fully open space, creating an easy flow between the meditation room and the porch when desired. There are also semi-open and fully closed configurations available, addressing varying levels of privacy and light. In addition, the cabin utilizes a ventilated wall and a roof interstice, which help manage temperature and moisture effectively.

Material Selection

The cabin employs a careful selection of materials that enhance its function and aesthetics. Rimu wood is used for structural elements, while red beech serves as the building's exterior. Beech wood is utilized for flooring and ramps, creating a unified look and feel. This choice of materials aligns with the project's goal of connecting with its natural setting. Each chakra installation adds another layer to the design, so visitors can experience not just the physical space, but also the feelings associated with fire, air, earth, water, ether, and light.

One of the significant installations symbolizes fire through lanterns in the Manipura section. In Anahata, sound-producing objects engage with the movement of air. The thoughtful integration of these elements invites a deeper connection with the space, encouraging users to reflect and engage with both themselves and the surrounding environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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