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Flat Roof Meditation Space Surrounded by Native Trees

Authors:
Hannah Hryniewicki, Nathan Leigh, Gianna Prather
Flat Roof Meditation Space Surrounded by Native Trees
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Surrounded by native trees, a flat roof meditation space utilizes the natural slope of the site to provide diverse areas for reflection and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to honor the surrounding sacred area, the building is positioned away from native trees.
02
The roof serves as a usable meditation space, enhancing functionality in a small footprint.
03
A long entry ramp facilitates seamless access while integrating with the site's natural slope.
04
Circulation paths provide multiple routes, allowing for diverse meditative experiences.
05
Natural light filters through, creating dynamic shadows that enhance the tranquil atmosphere.

The project is set within a landscape adorned with native trees and aims to create a space for meditation. It is designed to strengthen the connection between built forms and the natural environment. The intent is to enhance meditation experiences by providing a peaceful and inviting setting. The overall concept places significant emphasis on honoring the sacred qualities of the site while introducing a thoughtful architectural presence.

Design Concept

The design recognizes the importance of the surrounding area while opting to position the building away from it. This choice allows the existing natural temple to remain undisturbed. The layout is intended to be respectful and complementary, offering a dedicated space for meditation that draws inspiration from the serene landscape.



Utilization of Topography

The project effectively utilizes the natural slope of the land. The roof of the building serves as a functional space, maximizing the benefits of its small footprint. A long entry ramp has been incorporated to enhance accessibility. Visitors are guided through the gentle incline toward a flat roof level that serves as an additional area for meditation. This approach emphasizes the transition between movement and stillness.



Circulation and Experience

Careful attention has been given to the circulation path, which wraps around the building. This path connects various areas and leads guests to the interior meditation room while maintaining a visual relationship with the sacred area nearby. The thoughtful organization of movement promotes interaction with the environment, allowing opportunities for quiet reflection throughout the space.



Meditation Spaces

Various distinct meditation areas have been included in the design, such as the indoor room, the rooftop, and an outdoor setting enriched with natural elements. Each area provides a different atmosphere, accommodating different meditation practices. This variety encourages individuals to find their own preferred space for reflection, reinforcing the idea that meditation can take many forms.

Natural light plays an important role in the overall design. It enters the spaces and creates different shadows throughout the day. This detail enhances the ambiance and contributes to the sense of tranquility, allowing individuals to truly engage with their surroundings.

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Enter an open architecture
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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