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Elevated Retreat Featuring Glazed Windows and Timber Slats

Author:
Nico Chua
Elevated Retreat Featuring Glazed Windows and Timber Slats
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The elevated structure, with its large glazed windows and timber slats, offers a seamless connection to the forest environment, providing a tranquil retreat for guests seeking solitude in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes land disturbance.
02
Large glazed windows enhance natural light and views.
03
Incorporates an efficient rainwater collection system.
04
Timber slats provide structural support and aesthetic warmth.
05
Compact footprint facilitates easy assembly and transport.

The views³ pod is a retreat designed to provide a calming environment in a forest setting. It aims to create a space where people can connect with nature and enjoy a break from daily life. The design prioritizes simplicity and functionality. The structure is compact, yet fully equipped to serve as a comfortable accommodation.

Spatial Organization

Inside the views³ pod, the layout maximizes the use of space. It features specific areas for living, storage, and restroom facilities. This organization allows people to move easily and live comfortably within a small area. By elevating the structure off the ground, guests can take in views of the treetops, which enhances their experience of the surrounding environment while reducing their impact on the land.

Transparency and Connection

Large floor-to-ceiling windows play a significant role in the design. They allow ample natural light to enter the space and create a visual connection between the indoors and outdoors. This design choice invites nature into the living area and provides a constantly changing backdrop that enriches daily activities. The result is a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation and appreciation for the natural world outside.

Sustainable Features

The pod incorporates various sustainable design features, with a focus on minimizing its environmental impact. A water collection and reuse system is integrated into the structure. The slanted roofs effectively channel rainwater into gutters, which direct the water to storage tanks. This system provides practical benefits while highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency in an outdoor setting.

Materiality

The materials used in the views³ pod support its design and functionality. Timber slats are utilized for structural elements, promoting a connection with the forest. The large glazed glass windows not only provide daylight but also ensure good thermal performance. A metal frame supports the structure, enhancing its stability. Non-loadbearing walls define spaces without adding unnecessary weight. Inside, hardwood flooring contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it an inviting place for visitors.

The careful design of the views³ pod reflects a commitment to environmental sensitivity and user experience. Each detail has been chosen to enhance interaction with the natural setting, offering a space that encourages reflection and tranquility.

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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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