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Charred Spruce Cabin Embracing Nature Through Minimalist Meditation

Authors:
Asal Khalili, Rhea Mazgaonkar, Zeenah Mohammed Ali, Fahmida Ahmed
Charred Spruce Cabin Embracing Nature Through Minimalist Meditation
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Charred spruce cladding forms a retreat that harmonizes with the Ozolini Forest, offering a sunken meditation space and upper deck for immersive reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred spruce cladding enhances durability and visual cohesion with the forest.
02
Sunken meditation area promotes deep immersion in nature.
03
Rainwater collection system supports sustainable living.
04
Flexible design adapts to various tree heights and types.
05
Detachable waste tanks streamline maintenance for extended use.

Lift is located in the Ozolini Forest and is designed as a retreat for meditation and reflection. The cabin takes cues from the vertical shape of the Norway Spruce, making it fit well with the forest. Its design enhances sensory experiences, allowing people to connect deeply with nature while also supporting sustainable living practices.

Structural Integration

The cabin features an interior meditation area that is sunken below the main floor, alongside an exterior upper deck. This arrangement encourages users to engage with the forest canopy and feel a part of their surroundings. The design can adapt to various heights, accommodating different tree types without losing its connection to the site.

Sustainable Amenities

Sustainability plays a key role in the cabin’s design. It includes a compostable sawdust water closet and a rainwater collection system, which helps reduce the environmental impact. The design also incorporates detachable waste and drainage tanks for easy maintenance, supporting a lifestyle that respects nature.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Charred spruce clads the exterior of the cabin, giving it both protection and a visual connection to the forest. This choice of material helps the building blend into its environment. Inside, untreated plywood contributes to a warm, welcoming feel while directing attention to a corner window. This window frames views of the forest, enhancing the experience of being surrounded by nature.

Architectural Details

Functional elements, such as a wood stove and a hand-cranked lantern, provide necessary heating and lighting while keeping things simple. Ample storage is integrated beneath the raised floor, making good use of space without compromising on the cabin’s clean look. The careful arrangement of spaces and materials offers a direct relationship between the cabin’s inhabitants and the forest, emphasizing the retreat’s purpose as a place for quiet contemplation.

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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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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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