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Concave Soundscapes Crafted with Insulated Timber Panels in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Farzad Golestanirad, Tania Madah Tarighat Pasand, Pooria Golestanirad, Shirin Ghorbani
Concave Soundscapes Crafted with Insulated Timber Panels in a Forest Retreat
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The concave walls engineered to enhance sound isolation and the use of insulated timber panels create a unique habitat that harmonizes with the forest environment, providing a tranquil retreat for reflection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concave wall design enhances acoustics by directing sound to focused points of silence.
02
Insulated timber panels provide superior thermal performance in a natural setting.
03
The structure is elevated above the forest floor, fostering ecological integration.
04
Flexible hinged walls allow for adaptive openness based on user preference.
05
Natural drainage systems are integrated to protect the cabin from moisture.

This architectural project presents a cabin designed for immersive interaction with its natural environment, situated in Lithuania. It explores innovative design principles that prioritize sound, silence, and the user’s experience of nature. The dwelling not only serves as a functional space but also as a catalyst for deeper connections between occupants and the surrounding forest.

The cabin utilizes a concave wall design which focuses on sound management by directing external noise to specific points while creating areas of silence within. This acoustical consideration is paired with flexible hinges that allow walls to pivot, enabling users to adapt the cabin's openness based on their needs. The structure is elevated above the forest floor, fostering connection with the natural ecosystem while offering a unique perspective of the landscape.

The project employs several unique design approaches that distinguish it from typical cabin constructions.

Adaptive Design and Elemental Influence
The design incorporates elements of earth, water, air, and fire, linking the cabin to natural forces in a physical and metaphysical sense. The earth element forms the foundation, ensuring stability while the water element is present in integrated drainage systems that protect the structure from moisture. Air is utilized in designing open layouts for natural ventilation, and the fire element is represented through the inclusion of a chimney, creating warmth within the space.

The cabin’s platform, set at a height, not only elevates it physically but also symbolically, encouraging a meditative relationship with nature. This elevated design invites visitors to engage with the surrounding flora and fauna, making the building an integral part of its ecosystem.

Innovative Use of Materials
The project thoughtfully selects materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Transparent glass fosters a strong visual connection with the environment while insulated wood panels provide thermal performance. Steel supports ensure structural stability without overwhelming the aesthetic of the design. Operable walls equipped with user-friendly mechanisms facilitate natural light and airflow management, showcasing a commitment to user adaptation.

For those interested in architectural considerations, a detailed examination of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will reveal deeper insights into how these elements collaborate to create a cohesive and functional structure. Exploring the architectural ideas behind this project may serve to further enhance understanding of its innovative approaches, efficiency, and environmental interactivity.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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