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Elevated Veranda with Hay-Thatched Roof for Personal Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Hulya Imge Yilmaz, Hande Yildiz, Irem Tikiz
Elevated Veranda with Hay-Thatched Roof for Personal Meditation Retreat
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The integration of a hay-thatched roof and an elevated veranda creates a unique personal retreat designed for meditation, ensuring a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hay-thatched roof enhances ecological integration and provides nesting opportunities for local wildlife.
02
Elevated veranda offers unobstructed views while separating utility functions from the main retreat area.
03
Meditation axis features a central fire pit, creating a focal point for reflection and tranquility.
04
Double-skin façade allows for adjustable privacy while maintaining visual connection with the surroundings.
05
Natural ventilation and solar tubes ensure optimal light and air quality throughout the cabin.

The project is situated in Latvia, a region characterized by its abundant greenery. It functions as a personal retreat, designed for meditation and quiet reflection. The overall concept focuses on blending with the surrounding nature, providing a peaceful space where users can disconnect and engage with their thoughts.

Meditation Axis

At the heart of the design is a meditation axis that organizes the layout of the cabin. This axis features a fire pit, serving as a central point for meditation. A well-placed top window highlights this focal point, while horizontal windows on three sides welcome natural light and create views of the outdoors. This arrangement fosters a strong connection between the interior and the natural world outside.

Structural Features

The cabin is built with a double-skin façade, which offers flexibility in terms of privacy. Wooden materials are chosen for their lightness and durability, consistent with the local environment. This choice helps the structure remain in harmony with its surroundings and reduces its impact on nature.

Functional Layout

Inside, the cabin includes clearly defined areas for sleeping, dining, and food preparation. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged to make the best use of the interior while supporting the peaceful purpose of the retreat. Each area is designed to be functional without being overwhelming, creating a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light and air flow are important aspects of the design. The space uses solar tubes to provide light during the night, ensuring the interior remains inviting. This attention to lighting contributes to a calm environment, making it suitable for quiet reflection and meditation.

The roof is crafted to support a natural thatching of hay, mimicking the shapes found in the surrounding landscape. This design not only contributes to the aesthetic but also provides opportunities for local birds to nest, further connecting the retreat with its ecological setting.

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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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