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Geometric Wooden Retreat on Concrete Piers with Natural Light Skylights

Authors:
Fan Zhaoxiang, Liu Mengxuan, Miao Shi
Geometric Wooden Retreat on Concrete Piers with Natural Light Skylights
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Raised on concrete piers, the wooden cabin showcases geometric deformation and ample skylights, creating a sustainable meditation space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure on concrete piers minimizes ground impact.
02
Geometric deformation creates unique spatial qualities inside.
03
Skylights enhance natural lighting and connection to the outdoors.
04
Design accommodates three distinct functional areas for diverse use.
05
Composed of fully recyclable materials to support sustainability.

The Polyhedron is a wooden meditation cabin designed for use in the peaceful landscape of Ozolini, Latvia. The concept takes inspiration from traditional architectural forms while introducing modern geometric changes. This design promotes tranquility and reflection through its unique structure, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability.

Structure and Spatial Configuration
The building features a cube shape with a sloping roof, which enhances privacy and allows natural light to enter through well-placed skylights. Inside, the cabin is divided into three areas: a toilet, a reading area, and a sleeping area. This arrangement supports both individual meditation and shared experiences, providing a flexible environment that caters to various needs.

Material Implications
Materials used in The Polyhedron include wood frames, roofs, floors, and furniture that support environmental considerations. The structure stands on four concrete piers, elevating it above the ground and reducing its ecological impact. This design choice allows for quick assembly without the need for heavy equipment, showcasing an efficient approach to construction.

Environmental Interaction
Large glass windows help with ventilation and air circulation, enriching the connection between the inside and outside. The open meditation space encourages interaction with nature, allowing users to feel the surrounding environment. The sloping roof also helps manage snow, ensuring reliability during winter months.

The Polyhedron creates a unique experience with its thoughtful mix of privacy and openness. Light plays across the interior, revealing the careful balance of space and material that enhances the atmosphere for reflection. Each detail contributes to a sense of calm, inviting those who enter to take a moment for themselves.

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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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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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