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 Wood Retreat with Elevated Meditation Space

Authors:
Hannes Mettler, Marcos Martín Carrión
Charred Wood Retreat with Elevated Meditation Space
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with charred wood, this elevated cabin features a meditation altar and tilted walls that optimize natural light, providing a tranquil space dedicated to reflection and personal growth.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with locally sourced charred wood for durability and aesthetic contrast.
02
Elevated design allows natural elements to flow beneath, preserving the landscape.
03
Meditation altar features tilted walls that maximize natural light for spiritual activities.
04
Three distinct levels create a layered experience for users, enhancing solitude.
05
Accessed via a footbridge, reinforcing a sense of retreat from the outside world.

The Dhyana Cabin is designed to foster meditation and personal reflection. Situated in a landscape with six trees on a gentle slope, it draws inspiration from the Sanskrit word 'Dhyana,' which means uninterrupted concentration. The cabin creates a space that encourages a connection with nature while promoting a quiet environment for introspection and self-discovery.

Architecture Concept
The design reflects the idea that meditation is a journey inward. The cabin is elevated, allowing natural elements to flow beneath, thereby preserving the site’s ecological balance. Its layout enhances solitude and encourages a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a calming setting for reflection.

Spatial Organization
The cabin is organized into three distinct levels, each serving specific functions that align with meditation practices. The entrance, accessed by a footbridge from the south, acts as a welcoming space between nature and the cabin. This threshold enhances the experience for visitors, blending the interior with the exterior landscape.

The second level features a sacred area that includes an altar for spiritual practices. The walls are tilted to capture natural light, which supports the preparation of flower essences. The altar is designed at a comfortable height, making it easy for users to interact with it during their activities, thus deepening their spiritual experience.

The third level is meant for meditation. It is spacious enough for an instructor and participants. Beginners can lean against the vertical wall space while still focusing on the instructor. The sloping roof guides users into a seated position, encouraging relaxation and enhancing concentration. A small stove is conveniently placed at the back to provide warmth during colder weather.

Design Details
Material choices are important in the cabin's construction. The entrance and meditation areas are built using charred wood from locally sourced Pinus radiata. This material creates a visual contrast with the surrounding nature. In contrast, unburned wood is used in the sacred area. This choice emphasizes its central role within the cabin.

Overall, the thoughtful arrangement of spaces, careful selection of materials, and design features create an environment that supports quiet contemplation and reflection. Each element contributes to a design that engages users while respecting the natural landscape.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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