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Elevated Serenity with Wood and Glass in a Natural Retreat

Author:
J Austin Fleming
Elevated Serenity with Wood and Glass in a Natural Retreat
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Elevated above the ground, the cabin utilizes wood and glass to create a tranquil space for meditation, fostering a deep connection to nature while promoting sustainability through an integrated composting system.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabin features an integrated composting system for waste management.
02
Elevated structure enhances the feeling of buoyancy and detachment from the ground.
03
Large glass panels provide unobstructed views while maximizing natural light.
04
Design accommodates various meditation practices for individuals and groups.
05
Wood and glass materials foster warmth and a strong connection to nature.

The SEED Silent Meditation Cabin is located near Lake Bezdibene in Riga, Latvia. It serves as a space for meditation and personal reflection. The design aims to create an environment that promotes relaxation and a connection with nature. By focusing on the experience of meditation, the cabin invites users to escape the distractions of daily life.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the cabin allows for various meditation practices, accommodating individuals, couples, and groups. This flexibility is a defining feature, balancing private spaces with communal areas. Users can find solitude when needed but also enjoy the option to share their experience with others. The cabin’s ergonomic design ensures comfort, encouraging deeper engagement in meditation.

Environmental Sustainability

A key component of the design is sustainability. The cabin includes a composting system that processes human waste, turning it into nutrients for the earth. This aspect emphasizes a commitment to ecological responsibility and fits within the broader theme of mindfulness. By using natural resources thoughtfully, the cabin aligns with the principles of living in harmony with the environment.

Material Integration

Materials play an integral role in shaping the cabin’s character. Wood, glass, and metal are thoughtfully chosen to complement the design. Wooden elements bring warmth and create a cozy feeling, while large glass panels allow natural light to flood the interior. This connection to light enhances the calm atmosphere. Metal provides support and ensures the structure's durability, contributing to a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Sound and Sensory Experience

The design engages users through sound and sensory experience. The cabin encourages occupants to listen to the gentle sounds of nature, like rustling leaves and birdsong. This auditory engagement enhances the meditation experience by fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. The overall experience of using the cabin is enriched by these natural elements, creating a setting conducive to mindfulness.

The elevated platform allows users to feel as if they are floating within the landscape, reinforcing the importance of elevation in enhancing the meditative experience.

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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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