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Gabion Walls and Timber Roofs in a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Author:
Sai Chun Yung
Gabion Walls and Timber Roofs in a Tranquil Meditation Retreat
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Constructed with gabion walls and a timber roof, the cabin provides a serene environment for meditation, effectively integrating sustainable practices with local architectural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced gabion walls for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Timber roof incorporates a wind channel to improve natural ventilation.
03
Full-height glass pivot door provides unobstructed views and light.
04
Ondol-inspired heating system utilizes a smoke-extracting cavity for comfort.
05
Outdoor meditation platform extends the internal space into nature.

The Stone Cabin with a Shifted Roof at Vale de Moses serves as a meditation retreat that combines traditional elements with modern design. Located in Portugal, the cabin is designed to offer a peaceful space for reflection and well-being. The overall concept draws inspiration from local stone houses, focusing on creating distinct areas for meditation and therapeutic practices.

Spatial Configuration
The cabin is organized around three key elements: a timber roof structure, a stone body, and a sturdy base. The roof is positioned at an angle, creating varied internal and external spaces. Visitors enter through a stone courtyard, which acts as a bridge between the outdoors and the living area. This courtyard leads into the central space that features a high gable ceiling, specifically designed for meditation. The roof also extends outward to create an outdoor meditation platform, enhancing the connection to nature.

Materiality and Sustainable Practices
Materials used in the cabin reflect a commitment to sustainability and local traditions. The roof structure is supported by timber, designed to allow for natural airflow, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside. The walls are made from modular gabion structures filled with stones sourced from the area. This choice not only provides a natural aesthetic but also improves the thermal qualities of the building. The use of different stone sizes contributes to the overall ambiance; larger stones are used in the courtyard for shelter, while smaller stones create an intimate feeling in the central space.

Heating and Water Management
The base of the building incorporates a traditional ondol heating system, which uses a smoke-extracting cavity for underfloor heating. This setup emphasizes energy efficiency and contributes to a lower environmental impact. In addition, a greywater tank is included to manage water use responsibly, collecting rainwater and recycled wastewater. This focus on water conservation aligns with the cabin's sustainable design philosophy.

Constructability and Adaptation
Efforts have been made to ensure the cabin is easy to construct on-site. The dimensions of the timber are chosen for easy transportation, while the gabion walls are built using a modular steel frame, allowing for quick assembly. This modularity also makes it easy to adapt the cabin to different site conditions, ensuring that it fits well within its natural surroundings.

The cabin features a full-height glass pivot door that connects the central area to the outdoor platform. This door allows natural light to enter the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere for those who enter.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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