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Conical Retreat of Larch and Spruce Embracing Natural Panorama

Author:
Jesko Hammersen
Conical Retreat of Larch and Spruce Embracing Natural Panorama
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A conical form crafted from larch and spruce captures natural light and expansive views, creating a serene retreat that facilitates meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation spaces designed to enhance sensory engagement with nature.
02
Pathway dynamics transition from wide openness to focused intimacy.
03
Conical interior room maximizes natural light through a narrow window.
04
Thin steel bases elevate the structure off the ground for moisture protection.
05
Utilizes Gravity Lights for sustainable and alternative lighting solutions.

The design features a dedicated space for meditation and self-reflection within a calm natural setting. The focus is on guiding users from an awareness of the outside world to a place of personal contemplation. The layout promotes tranquility and enhances the user's connection to the environment, making it an inviting retreat for those seeking peace and introspection.

Meditation Spaces

Two distinct meditation rooms create the heart of the design. The outside meditation area, with its wide, panoramic views, encourages users to engage with the surrounding landscape. This space allows for a rich sensory experience, immersed in the sounds of nature. In contrast, the interior room is designed to foster a more intimate atmosphere, providing a focused environment for personal reflection. The conical shape draws users in, enhancing a sense of quiet and calm.

Pathway Dynamics

The pathway linking the two meditation spaces adds to the overall experience. As users walk along this route, the pathway narrows while the ceiling height increases. This design change guides the movement and creates a feeling of shifting focus, preparing users for the transition from the communal area to a more personal space. The careful arrangement of the pathway helps support the meditative purpose at the heart of the design.

Material Selection

Material choices play a key role in shaping the retreat's character. Larch cladding covers the outer shell of the structure, allowing it to blend naturally with the forest surroundings. Inside, spruce is used for immobile components, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment. The separation of walls from the ceiling invites natural light into the interior spaces, enhancing the experience of calm during meditation.

Functional Aspects

Practical features are well integrated into the design. A small fireplace in the meditation room offers warmth during colder months, inviting users to spend more time in this reflective space. The dry toilet is accessible from both the interior and exterior, ensuring convenience while preserving privacy. These elements enhance the usability of the retreat, supporting its purpose as a place for meditation and self-discovery.

The interior meditation room includes a narrow, high window that directs the gaze toward a specific view outside. This design choice encourages users to focus inward while remaining aware of the broader landscape. The thoughtful layout promotes a balanced experience of connecting with surroundings and engaging in personal reflection.

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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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