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Curved Roof Retreat with Timber Panels and a Natural Landscape Connection

Authors:
Karol Wojtas, Mickael Minghetti
Curved Roof Retreat with Timber Panels and a Natural Landscape Connection
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The cabin's curved roof and timber panels create a harmonious retreat that invites meditation while blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin is partially submerged into the ground to enhance its connection to nature.
02
A circular courtyard at the center provides natural light and promotes reflection.
03
Inclined timber beams form a unique curved roof structure.
04
The exterior features timber panels that visually integrate with the forest.
05
Openable windows ensure optimal ventilation and a comfortable atmosphere.

Wooden Crown is a cabin designed for meditation, aimed at exploring the relationship between body and mind. Set within a forested area, it provides a distinct space for both daily living and reflection. The design thoughtfully separates the two functions while ensuring they complement each other. The overall concept emphasizes a connection to nature, creating an atmosphere conducive to tranquility.

Spatial Configuration

The cabin features two main areas: one focused on physical needs and the other dedicated to meditation. The physical space is open and inviting, outlined by angular lines that match the trees surrounding it. This area includes necessary amenities such as a kitchen, sleeping areas, and bathrooms. The arrangement promotes ease of movement while drawing attention to the natural setting outside.

Meditative Retreat

In contrast to the living area, the meditation zone is designed to be peaceful and calming. With a curved roof and a round courtyard at its center, this space allows plenty of natural light to pour in. Such a design creates a serene environment perfect for reflection. The smooth curves provide a gentle contrast to the sharper lines of the physical space, enhancing the overall experience of the cabin.

Structural Elements

Concrete serves as the foundation, providing stability. The main structure is framed with timber, which forms the unique curvature of the roof. Light wooden beams slant at thirty degrees, adding to the building's character. On the exterior, timber panels create a visual link to the surrounding forest, blending the structure into its environment. This choice of materials supports a sustainable approach, with attention to local resources.

Integration with Nature

The positioning of the cabin highlights its connection with the landscape. It has been partly placed into the ground, emphasizing its bond with the earth. A circular window-sill wraps around the cabin, creating a smooth transition between the interior and the outdoors. Openable windows and doors promote natural airflow, enhancing comfort. These design features contribute to an inviting atmosphere, encouraging users to engage fully with the peaceful surroundings.

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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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