Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins Nestled Among Woodland Serenity

Author:
Priyanshi Sanghvi
Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins Nestled Among Woodland Serenity

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, the cabins seamlessly blend into the forest landscape, offering a serene retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins utilize cross-laminated timber panels, providing enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles create a low-maintenance exterior while offering fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
A bent A-frame design minimizes material use and supports efficient insulation, optimizing energy performance.
04
The thoughtful arrangement of windows ensures panoramic woodland views and maximizes natural light in every cabin.
05
Site placement is designed to preserve local biodiversity, allowing the surrounding flora and fauna to thrive undisturbed.
The Vales De Moses Meditation Cabins represent a thoughtful merge of architecture and nature, designed for a tranquil experience that promotes mindfulness and personal reflection. Nestled within a serene forest setting, the project aims to provide individuals with a retreat that encourages a reconnection with the natural landscape. This architectural endeavor serves a clear function as both a meditative space and a dwelling for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

From the outset, the design embodies principles of sustainability and contextual appropriateness. The layout is carefully organized to maximize natural light and views, with large windows offering uninterrupted sightlines across the lush greenery. This feature not only enhances the user experience but also facilitates a deeper interaction between the occupants and their surroundings. The cabins are planned with an open interior that encourages movement and flexibility, allowing guests to adapt the space to their own needs while promoting a sense of calm and spaciousness.

The materials chosen for the construction play a crucial role in reinforcing the project's connection with its environment. Wood, a primary building material, reflects the local ecosystem and integrates the cabins into the forest seamlessly. This choice contributes to warmth and comfort throughout the interiors. The expansive glass panels are equally significant, blurring the boundaries between the inside and outside and fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment. Additionally, the adoption of natural paints in soft earth tones mirrors the area's colors, enhancing the overall tranquility of the space.

What sets this project apart is its unique approach to sustainable architecture. The use of solar energy systems not only promotes energy efficiency but also aligns with an environmentally conscious lifestyle. The increase in biodiversity is preserved through carefully planned site placement, ensuring that the cabins coexist with the natural flora and fauna rather than displacing them. This comprehensive consideration of ecological impact demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond mere aesthetics.

The architectural design cleverly respects the site's topography. Elevated structures minimize ground disruption, allowing the natural landscape to retain its character while providing an immersive retreat experience for users. The site plan illustrates a thoughtful arrangement of the cabins in relation to existing pathways, allowing for an intuitive flow through the property without compromising the tranquility offered by the natural surroundings.

The interior configuration emphasizes simplicity, with essential features such as thoughtfully placed furniture designed for functionality. Each cabin can serve varied purposes, from solitary meditation to small group gatherings, accommodating different user needs while maintaining an intentional atmosphere of peace.

In addition to the overall architectural concept, the specifics of the design such as the floor and section plans offer insights into the functionality and practicalities of the cabins. These details not only showcase innovative spatial organization but also highlight the balance between built structures and natural elements. By considering both the aesthetic and functional aspects, the architecture achieves a level of coherence that significantly enhances user experience.

Readers interested in exploring more about the Vales De Moses Meditation Cabins and their architectural undertakings are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented throughout the project. Each element contributes to an understanding of how architecture can effectively foster wellness and serenity, driving the narrative of this unique retreat.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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