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Glulam Beams and Forest Views in a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Author:
Zach Falor
Glulam Beams and Forest Views in a Sustainable Mountain Retreat
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With a structural framework of glulam beams and expansive glass walls that frame forest views, the cabin serves as a sustainable retreat designed to seamlessly integrate with its mountainous surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Energy generation through integrated photovoltaic panels enhances sustainability.
02
Custom furniture allows for versatile space usage and adaptability.
03
An all-glass shower provides views of the surrounding forest.
04
A two-story fireplace serves both levels for efficient heating.
05
Manual louvers facilitate natural ventilation and airflow control.

Black Ridge is located in a mountainous area and is designed to blend into its environment. The cabin serves as a retreat, providing privacy and opportunities for viewing the landscape. The design focuses on creating a connection between the building and the natural surroundings, enhancing the experience for those who occupy it.

Architectural Form and Layout

The cabin has two separate floors, each designed for different purposes. The main level is positioned under the tree canopy, creating a sheltered space. It includes essential areas like the kitchen, lounge, and bathroom, all arranged to create a comfortable flow from the outside to the inside.



Interior Features and Materials

The lounge area centers around a fireplace, which adds warmth to the space. Directly next to this area, a spa tub offers large windows, allowing those inside to look out at the surrounding forest. The furniture in the cabin is designed to be flexible and can be rearranged for various activities, making it suitable for both relaxation and social gatherings.



Upper Level and Connectivity

On the upper floor, there is a spacious sleeping area that also includes another fireplace, ensuring comfort throughout the cabin. This level is designed to highlight views across the valley and features a private patio that helps connect the indoors with the outdoors.



Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is an integral part of the design. Natural ventilation is possible through manual louvers that help create cross-breezes. Radiant heating maintains comfortable temperatures within the cabin. The main glass wall faces north-northeast, maximizing natural light and minimizing the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, photovoltaic panels provide on-site energy, supporting the cabin’s sustainability goals.



Glulam beams are used in the structural framework, providing both strength and a sense of openness inside. Each design choice works together to connect the cabin with its surroundings, creating a living space that respects and embraces nature. The overall effect is a balanced architecture that encourages inhabitants to engage with the landscape around them.

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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.

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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