Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Flax-Insulated Retreat Elevated on Stilts for Meditation and Reflection

Author:
Benedikt Hartl
Flax-Insulated Retreat Elevated on Stilts for Meditation and Reflection
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated on stilts, this flax-insulated cabin offers a unique meditation space that fosters a deep connection with nature while ensuring environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design on stilts to minimize environmental impact.
02
Constructed primarily from locally sourced linen for insulation.
03
Meditation room features a roundel for forest views.
04
Utilizes bicycle-powered electricity generation for sustainability.
05
Includes an eco-toilet for efficient waste management.

The forest meditation cabin is a thoughtfully designed retreat located in Latvia, a country renowned for its ecological practices and rich cultural traditions. Designed for reflection and mindfulness, the cabin seeks to blend with its surroundings while showcasing local materials and craftsmanship. The main idea behind the design is to create a small, functional space that enhances the connection between its users and nature.

Spatial Configuration
The cabin has an open interior layout that allows natural light to flood in, creating a calm atmosphere ideal for meditation. Covering 15 square meters, the design makes efficient use of its limited space, incorporating a loft area that utilizes vertical height while maintaining privacy. This arrangement encourages easy movement throughout the cabin, making it a versatile area for various activities while preserving a cozy feel.

Material Selection
Linen/flax is the primary material used in the construction of the cabin, emphasizing local resources and heritage. This material is chosen not only for its sustainability but also for its excellent insulation properties. The cabin remains comfortable throughout the year, and the tactile quality of linen promotes relaxation and a peaceful environment. This focus on material helps achieve the project’s goal of creating a tranquil place for visitors.

Sustainable Features
The cabin incorporates sustainable practices into its design and function. A wood stove provides warmth during colder months, ensuring comfort. Additionally, a bicycle-based energy generation system offers an alternative electricity source, promoting independence and environmental awareness. Areas for food and water storage further enhance the cabin's practicality, allowing visitors to enjoy longer retreats without relying on outside resources.

Design Details
A notable aspect of the cabin is its elevation on stilts, which protects the surrounding landscape and maintains the natural flow of water. Furthermore, a roundel feature provides views of the forest, linking the interior space with the outdoors. These design choices help create a place that not only serves the need for a meditation retreat but also upholds principles of mindful and responsible architecture.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy