Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cork-Walled Retreat Elevated Above Nature's Embrace

Author:
Lukas Keller
Cork-Walled Retreat Elevated Above Nature's Embrace
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated on pillars and clad in cork, the retreat integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while providing a tranquil space dedicated to meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design reduces moisture impact on wooden structure.
02
Cork wall coverings provide acoustic insulation and visual texture.
03
Front terrace includes a meditation zone and herb garden.
04
Minimalist kitchen incorporates rainwater harvesting for sustainability.
05
Rounded edges enhance integration with the natural landscape.

The Meditation Cabin located on the Ozolini Teamakers Farm in Latvia serves as a quiet retreat designed to promote meditation and relaxation within a natural landscape. The overall design focuses on simplicity and practicality, emphasizing a close relationship with the surrounding environment. The cabin aims to provide a space for individuals to step away from daily routines and reflect in peace.

Design Concept
The cabin is designed to create a strong connection with nature, using a form that blends into its surroundings. Its rounded edges contribute to a softer aesthetic and enhance its fit within the landscape. This approach helps cultivate a sense of safety and calm, allowing users to fully engage with the stunning scenery of the Ozolini area.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the cabin is laid out in distinct areas that serve specific purposes. There is a meditation space, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, each optimized for functionality. This clear organization allows for comfortable movement throughout the cabin while ensuring a light, open feel. Large windows are strategically placed to invite in natural light and provide views of the outdoor environment, linking the interior to the exterior seamlessly.

Material Choices
The materials chosen for the cabin play an important role in its character and functionality. Wooden planks for the floor offer a warm, welcoming touch to the space. Cork is used for the lower walls, providing both sound insulation and visual interest, while light plasterboard above creates a sense of height. These choices highlight a commitment to environmental awareness, aligning with the overall design philosophy.

Elevational Design
The cabin is raised on pillars, protecting it from moisture and creating a lighter appearance, as if it is gently poised above the ground. This elevation allows for easy access via a short flight of stairs, welcoming visitors to enter the space. A front terrace extends the living area outdoors, featuring a meditation zone and a small raised bed for growing herbs and vegetables, underlining the emphasis on self-sufficiency.

At the back, the kitchen is minimalist but functional, equipped with essential amenities. Water is gathered from a filtered rain barrel, reinforcing the theme of sustainable living. The overall details of the cabin, including large windows and soft interior finishes, create a calming atmosphere that encourages reflection and mindfulness.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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