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Elevated Cabins with Recycled Paper Insulation for Mindful Living

Authors:
Jadwiga Anna Sobala, Anna Kowal, Katarzyna Kulpa, Martyna Czeluśniak
Elevated Cabins with Recycled Paper Insulation for Mindful Living
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Elevated cabins constructed with wooden frames and recycled paper insulation provide a sustainable retreat for meditation and reflection in natural landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ecological impact while enhancing views.
02
Modular setup allows flexible arrangements for diverse site characteristics.
03
Integrated dry toilets promote sustainability and reduce water usage.
04
Recycled paper insulation improves energy efficiency and acoustic comfort.
05
Paths to meditation houses foster community interaction within nature.

The "Forest Lights" project is a modular design situated in diverse natural landscapes, including forests and lakes. It aims to provide a living solution that combines essential functions with spaces for meditation and reflection. The overall concept revolves around adaptable cabin modules that cater to both user needs and the surrounding environment.

Modular Design

The layout features a collection of cabins, each designed to be arranged in different configurations based on site characteristics. Each cabin consists of two main parts: a lower section that addresses basic living requirements and an upper section dedicated to meditation and creative activities. This design approach enhances the experience of occupants while connecting them more closely with nature.

Environmental Integration

By elevating the cabins, the design minimizes contact with the ground, thus reducing its impact on the ecosystem. This elevation serves a dual purpose; it decreases environmental disruption and embodies themes of mindfulness and detachment. Such integration aligns the structure with the meditative experiences it aims to foster, allowing inhabitants to feel a part of their surroundings.

Material Considerations

Wooden frames are used for the cabin structures, providing both support and visual appeal. Unique features also include ecological insulation made from recycled paper, enhancing energy efficiency while reducing noise. These material choices indicate a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which is an integral part of the project.

Functional Amenities

Each cabin is equipped with necessary facilities, like dry toilets and water storage systems, which promote self-sufficiency. The design includes communal spaces and paths leading to meditation houses, ensuring that occupants can easily transition between private and shared environments.

Elements such as the modular arrangement and elevated design come together to create spaces that encourage a deeper interaction with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall experience of tranquility and connection with nature.

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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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