Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Cedar Cabin Embracing Indigenous Trees for Reflection

Author:
Sejin Kim
Charred Cedar Cabin Embracing Indigenous Trees for Reflection
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating charred cedar and aligned with indigenous trees, the cabin provides a tranquil space for meditation while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin utilizes charred cedar to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Vertically open windows create adaptable light and airflow for meditative practices.
03
The design aligns with the natural slope of the ridge to promote seamless integration.
04
An altar for flower essence processing serves as a focal point within the interior.
05
Surrounded by indigenous trees, the site fosters a deep connection to nature.

The project "Transition to Meditation" is situated in a quiet clearing surrounded by indigenous trees, strategically placed along a ridge to enhance its reflective purpose. Designed as a space for meditation, the cabin encourages visitors to move from a state of distraction to one of calm and focus. The overall concept revolves around the idea of transition, both in a physical and mental sense, allowing individuals to engage in mindfulness in an environment that supports introspection.

Design Concept

Transition is an essential theme expressed through the layout of the cabin. The entry frames the approach, preparing visitors for a shift from the outer world to a more contemplative internal space. Vertically open windows play an important role in this concept, enabling users to tailor their environment while inviting in natural light. These features connect the interior with the outdoors, enriching the experience of being in a natural setting.

Spatial Organization

The cabin is designed as a rectangular structure that includes a meditation room and a central area that serves as an altar. This thoughtful arrangement helps minimize distractions, fostering a focused atmosphere for meditation. The alignment with the natural slope of the terrain allows for easy movement within the space. By utilizing two distinct volumes, the design creates a sense of enclosure while still maintaining a strong link to the surrounding landscape.

Light and Environment

Natural light is integral to the design, with sunlight entering from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The design takes advantage of seasonal variations in sunlight to regulate light levels. In the summer months, a skylight helps filter direct sunlight, while in winter, gentle light can enter through a vertical folding door. This strategic use of light contributes to a calming atmosphere that is supportive of meditation.

Material Selection

The material choices reflect the cabin's intention to create a welcoming environment. Charred cedar is employed for its ability to absorb light and provide a soothing texture within the space. Iron elements mark key entry points and offer structural support, forming a cohesive visual identity. Stone paving defines the meditation area, guiding users naturally through the cabin while connecting them visually to the outdoors.

Natural light filters in through the cabin’s openings, creating soft patterns that enhance the atmosphere of calm and focus. The design promotes an environment where individuals can reflect, find peace, and engage fully in their meditation practice.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

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

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy