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Elevated Cantilevered Retreat Featuring Thermal-Break Glass and Timber Cladding

Authors:
Ufaira Abida, Sulaiman Abedi
Elevated Cantilevered Retreat Featuring Thermal-Break Glass and Timber Cladding
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The cantilevered design of this retreat utilizes thermal-break glass and timber cladding to enhance views and integrate with the rural landscape, providing a serene escape for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates thermal-break glass to optimize energy efficiency.
02
Includes a cantilevered balcony for enhanced outdoor viewing.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to improve durability and aesthetics.
04
Features an innovative bent A-frame structure for distinctive silhouette.
05
Efficient open-plan layout designed for flexible use and comfort.

The Periscope Cabin represents a contemporary approach to architectural design that effectively merges living spaces with the surrounding natural landscape. Situated in a rural environment, the cabin is designed to optimize views and enhance the experience of its occupants through thoughtful spatial organization and innovative use of materials.

The primary function of the Periscope Cabin is to serve as a retreat, providing an intimate space for relaxation and interaction with the natural surroundings. The architectural design prioritizes an open layout on the ground floor, facilitating communal activities while ensuring a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of expansive glass elements serves to connect interior living areas with the landscape, inviting natural light and vistas into the heart of the cabin.

The cabin's design includes distinct elements that contribute to its uniqueness. The concept of a periscope is pivotal; it informs both the massing and the organization of spaces, allowing for elevated views without compromising privacy. The upper volume extends outward, creating a cantilevered balcony that promotes a higher vantage point of the surrounding topography. This aspect encourages engagement with the outdoors from various perspectives, a thoughtful choice that differentiates the Periscope Cabin from conventional cabin designs.

The choice of materials plays a significant role in the overall execution of the project. Timber cladding is utilized on the exterior to create a warm, natural aesthetic that complements the landscape. Large panes of glass function not only to illuminate interior spaces but also to enhance the cabin's transparency, fostering a strong connection with nature. The integration of steel components adds structural integrity, particularly in areas requiring support for the cantilevered sections.

Additional design features include a sky-lit atrium that maximizes daylight within communal spaces and strategically placed windows that reflect views back into the living areas. These elements optimize lighting conditions while offering dynamic spatial qualities. The project emphasizes functionality through storage solutions integrated within outdoor spaces, ensuring practicality without detracting from the overall design.

In summary, the Periscope Cabin excels in marrying modern architectural principles with its natural surroundings. The design leverages unique spatial arrangements and material selections to enhance the living experience. For those interested in deeper insights, an exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific architectural ideas will provide further clarity on this project’s thoughtful execution and innovative approaches.

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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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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