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Glazed Retreats Overlooking a Serene Ravine

Authors:
Tomas Esteban Pont Apostolo, Julio Ignacio Paez, Mauro Andres Alasino
Glazed Retreats Overlooking a Serene Ravine
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With mobile glazed panels that enhance light and connectivity, the cabins are skillfully integrated into a ravine landscape, providing a tranquil retreat dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize mobile glazed panels for flexible indoor-outdoor transitions.
02
A unique bent A-frame design integrates with the site's topography.
03
Sustainable energy is sourced from an on-site photovoltaic farm.
04
Rainwater harvesting system enhances ecological efficiency.
05
The layout promotes both communal interaction and personal solitude.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins project is set in a distinctive natural landscape, designed to encourage reflection and tranquility. Its overall design concept focuses on creating a strong connection between the built environment and the surrounding nature. The architecture invites occupants to explore their inner selves while being present in the landscape around them.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the cabins is that observing nature allows for deeper self-reflection. This concept shapes the design, aiming to develop spaces that inspire contemplation and connection. A simple roof structure extends gracefully from the ravine, providing communal areas for gathering and offering shelters for individual retreats. This thoughtful arrangement balances the need for social interaction and personal solitude.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout features an internal circuit that organizes the cabins according to the natural shape of the ravine. Visitors move through two separate pathways—one for communal activities and the other leading privately to the cabins. This design creates a balance between shared experiences and moments of solitude, encouraging exploration of both the environment and personal reflection.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a key focus of the design, with a strong emphasis on minimizing material and energy use. The building process is streamlined to avoid the need for specialized machinery, supporting eco-friendly practices in architecture. Mobile glazed panels form the boundary between the inside and outside, allowing flexibility in response to weather conditions while promoting natural light and airflow.

Energy and Water Infrastructure

The project includes a rainwater reservoir and a photovoltaic farm, establishing a self-supportive system for both water and energy needs. This thoughtful design not only supports environmental sustainability but also improves the functionality of the cabins, meeting user needs while respecting the natural landscape. The integration of these features highlights a commitment to environmental responsibility, creating a space that harmonizes with nature.

Each cabin expresses a clear relationship with its surroundings. The design emphasizes transitions between inside and outside, maintaining a balance that supports both comfort and connection to nature. Careful attention to detail—from the roof's design to the interaction of light within the spaces—illustrates a focus on providing a welcoming environment that enriches the experience of those who visit.

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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.

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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