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Flood-Resilient Cabin Featuring Reflective Glass and Timber Elements for Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Hao-tin Lin, Jeremy Tan
Flood-Resilient Cabin Featuring Reflective Glass and Timber Elements for Mindful Retreat
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Raised for flood resilience, the cabin incorporates reflective glass and timber elements to create a mindful retreat that fosters deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure designed to prevent flood damage.
02
Incorporates a smoke-free Irori Japanese sunken hearth for heating.
03
Features a reflective glass mirror to enhance self-reflection.
04
Timber posts and rafters create slits for diffused daylight.
05
Modular furniture allows for adaptable meditation spaces.

SPACED OUT is a proposed cabin design located in the natural landscape of New Zealand. The project aims to create a space that encourages personal reflection and connects visitors to their environment. The design emphasizes the use of light and shadow to enhance the experience of being present in the moment.

Spatial Features

The cabin includes three main elements: the time tunnel, self-reflection, and connection. The time tunnel acts as an entrance, inviting visitors into a unique play of sunlight and shadow. This aspect highlights the value of each moment, preparing occupants for an attentive and mindful experience as they enter the cabin.

Self-Reflection Space

At the heart of the cabin is the self-reflection area, which features a reflective glass mirror. This mirror encourages visitors to engage with their thoughts and feelings. The design here promotes a calming environment, allowing individuals to explore their inner thoughts and emotions without distraction.

Connection to Nature

The connection space allows occupants to appreciate the surrounding landscape through strategically placed windows. This design choice reduces distractions while enhancing the experience of the outdoors. Natural light floods the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Modular furniture provides flexibility, accommodating various activities and meditation practices for individuals.

Environmental Considerations

Attention to the environment is evident in several design choices. The cabin is raised to prevent potential flooding, indicating a thoughtful approach to site conditions. A smoke-free Irori Japanese sunken hearth serves as a heating source, ensuring good air quality while adding a layer of cultural significance. Wooden posts and rafters create slits in the roof, allowing filtered light to illuminate the space, contributing to a tranquil ambiance throughout the cabin.

SPACED OUT exemplifies a design that respects its natural surroundings while offering a place for self-exploration and contemplation. The combination of practical features and thoughtful design helps create a space where individuals can connect with both themselves and 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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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