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Floating Stone Elements in a Circular Meditation Retreat

Author:
Gene Miao
Floating Stone Elements in a Circular Meditation Retreat
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Suspended stone elements create a unique visual experience in a circular retreat that serves as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended stones create a floating visual effect, enhancing the sense of lightness.
02
Circular shape promotes fluid movement and a unified space for meditation.
03
Locally sourced timber complements the rough exterior stone walls.
04
A circular glass skylight offers dynamic views of the sky and natural light.
05
Movable altar designed for processing flower essences adds functionality.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin, also known as the Floating-Stone House, serves as a peaceful retreat aimed at meditation and reflection. It is set in a tranquil natural environment that enhances the experience of mindfulness. The design focuses on creating a close relationship between the building and its surroundings. The shape of the cabin is circular, promoting a sense of calm and unity.

Concept and Form

The overall design of the cabin revolves around its circular shape, which allows for easy movement within the space. When approaching, visitors first see a sturdy wall made of stone and mortar, resembling traditional building techniques. As one walks around the cabin, openings gradually show glass windows, welcoming light into the interior and creating a connection between the outside landscape and indoor environment.

Structure and Functionality

Within the cabin, locally sourced timber is used to complement the external stone. The solid stone base contains important features such as a toilet, a fireplace, and a spiral staircase that leads to an upper viewing platform. This thoughtful arrangement of elements ensures comfort and practicality while still allowing for moments of solitude and concentration.

Floating Stone Elements

Important to the design are the suspended stones that create the visual impression of floating. Each stone is held in place by stainless-steel threaded rods, which are drilled through the stones to provide support. This method allows light to shine through while offering views of the natural surroundings. The visual interplay between the stones and light enhances the sensory experience of the cabin.

Light and Ambiance

The design includes a layer of curved glass positioned behind the suspended stones. This serves to protect the interior from rain and wind but still lets in plenty of natural light. A circular glass skylight situated above brings dynamic views of the sky and encourages interaction with the outside world. This feature deepens the overall experience of being in the space, inviting occupants to engage more fully with the environment around them.

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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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