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Elevated Cabin with Steel Columns and Panoramic Views for Contemplation

Authors:
Nathan Heldt, Joshua Glass
Elevated Cabin with Steel Columns and Panoramic Views for Contemplation
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Elevated on slender steel columns, the cabin offers expansive valley views while providing a dedicated space for meditation and reflection through its minimalist design and natural light integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes land disturbance.
02
Panoramic windows connect users with the landscape.
03
Handwashing station designed as a ritualistic element.
04
Infrared heating integrated within the floor for efficiency.
05
Prefabricated components streamline construction and transport.

The meditation cabin project is a thoughtful design that fits well within its natural surroundings. It serves as a space for quiet reflection and contemplation, allowing individuals to step away from the busyness of everyday life. Its adaptable nature enables the cabin to be placed in various locations on the property, making it possible for multiple cabins to coexist. The overall design aims to create a peaceful retreat, elevating users above the ground to enhance their sense of tranquility.

Design Concept

The cabin is elevated on slender steel columns, which support the structure without fully resting on the ground. This approach gives the cabin a light appearance while keeping the natural landscape below untouched. The long, narrow form of the building optimizes views of the valley, allowing for an integration of the interior and exterior spaces. The sloped roof design maximizes natural light, while carefully arranged lighting ensures a soft, calming atmosphere for meditation.

Interior Features

Inside the cabin, careful attention has been paid to essential elements that enhance the experience for users. A handwashing station at the entrance allows individuals to wash their hands as a cleansing ritual, which prepares them for meditation. The conical basin captures attention, with a flat cabinet hidden in the back to store items used during meditation. The meditation mat takes center stage, reminding visitors of the cabin's primary purpose as a dedicated space for reflection.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability plays a significant role in the design process. The use of prefabricated wood beams and columns makes construction efficient, reducing the impact on the site. With glass walls on three sides, the cabin is filled with natural light, connecting people to the outdoors. Rainwater is collected and treated for use, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint while providing a practical resource for handwashing and other needs.

Final Design Detail

A notable feature is the heating system integrated into the cabin's design. Infrared heating mats installed in the floor provide warmth and comfort without the need for complex plumbing. This system allows for efficient temperature control and emphasizes the overall simplicity of the cabin’s interior. Users can focus on their meditation practices in a warm, inviting space, designed to support both comfort and deep 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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