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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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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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