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Elevated Timber Structures Integrated with a Canopy Walkway and Sunken Garden

Author:
Trent Freeman
Elevated Timber Structures Integrated with a Canopy Walkway and Sunken Garden
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Elevated on stilts, the design incorporates a canopy walkway and a sunken garden, creating accessible spaces for communal YOGA and dining while promoting a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on timber stilts to minimize site disturbance.
02
Includes a canopy walkway for enhanced accessibility.
03
Features a sunken garden for on-site food cultivation.
04
Utilizes double-glazed windows for improved energy efficiency.
05
Incorporates a greywater system for sustainable water management.

The Hidden Forest project is a thoughtful design situated in a natural landscape, focused on promoting wellness through activities like YOGA and communal dining. It emphasizes a strong connection between the buildings and their surroundings. Elevated on stilts, the two slim structures harmonize with the sloping terrain, allowing for minimal disruption of the natural site while offering expansive views.

Design Concept

The design is based on the idea of unity between the mind, body, and nature, which reflects the essence of YOGA. Elevating the buildings creates a visual relationship with the trees in the surrounding forest, enhancing the spatial experience. Important areas designed for YOGA, cooking, dining, and restroom facilities are all accessible to users of varying mobility levels.

Spatial Configuration

The project features a canopy walkway and a sunken garden, creating a connection between the buildings and the environment. The walkway ensures that all areas are reachable for people with different mobility needs. The garden provides spaces for quiet reflection and interaction with nature. Areas for planting support growing food on-site, which promotes sustainability and engages the local community.

Material Considerations

Materials used in Hidden Forest have been chosen to balance aesthetic appeal with practical performance. The structural framing is made from timber, providing warmth and good insulation. A concrete slab bolsters stability and durability. The double-glazed windows help improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss. These material selections are in line with the project’s sustainable goals and complement the overall design.

Sustainability Measures

The design includes essential sustainable features, such as a greywater system and French drains to effectively manage water runoff. Solar panels are included to enhance energy efficiency, promoting self-sufficiency. This focus on ecological responsibility is evident in practical elements that improve the user experience, reinforcing the importance of caring for the environment.

The way the buildings rise above the ground and the numerous openings for natural light create an atmosphere of tranquility inside. The interplay of light and shadow adds to the calming experience, allowing users to feel a deeper connection to 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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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