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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Modular Construction Create a Mindful Retreat in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Océane Leprince, Shanice Aka-adjo, Olga Golliet
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Modular Construction Create a Mindful Retreat in a Natural Landscape
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and modular construction, the design integrates seamlessly into the landscape, offering a focused space for meditation and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and aesthetics while providing fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and supports structural efficiency.
04
Utilizes modular construction methods, allowing for easy assembly and potential user involvement.
05
Designed to create a sensory connection with the landscape, promoting mindfulness and tranquility.

The "Senses" Meditation Cabin is an architectural project located in a naturally rich environment of New Zealand. It serves as a retreat for individuals seeking mindfulness and connection with nature. The design prioritizes simplicity and modularity, offering a functional space primarily for meditation, yoga, and quiet reflection. The cabin’s form emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic that encourages users to engage deeply with their surroundings.

The cabin's architectural layout consists of an open meditation area, a central fireplace, and a small altar, all designed to support various spiritual and contemplative practices. Each feature is strategically positioned to foster a sense of tranquility and focus. The dimensions of the space cater to five individuals, linking the cabin’s design directly to traditional practices, such as those influenced by Japanese architecture. Every aspect of the design is created to facilitate a harmonious relationship between the user and the landscape.

Sustainability and a connection to the environment are central to the project's ethos. The primary material used in the construction is wood, which not only creates a warm atmosphere but also reflects environmentally conscious design practices. The choice of locally sourced wood supports sustainability while enhancing the structure's integration into its natural setting. Other materials include a concrete footing for stability and potential metal components for functional elements like the fireplace.

Unique to this project is its modular construction approach, allowing for pre-fabricated components. This methodology is aligned with contemporary trends in architecture, enabling participation from users in the assembly process. The design features large cantilevered elements that provide shade and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This layout invites the natural landscape into the cabin, enhancing sensory experiences, such as visual engagement with the surroundings and auditory connections with nature.

The "Senses" Meditation Cabin represents a contemporary exploration of architecture focused on personal well-being and environmental harmony. Its design facilitates a deep engagement with nature through strategic layout and material choices. For a comprehensive understanding of this project, viewers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans and sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas presented in the project documentation. Engaging with these elements can provide further insights into the intentionality and functionality of the design.

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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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