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Helophyte-Filtered Cabin with Octagonal Design and Natural Wood Finish

Author:
Koen Van Uden
Helophyte-Filtered Cabin with Octagonal Design and Natural Wood Finish
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Constructed with innovative helophyte filtration, the octagonal cabin seamlessly blends natural wood finishes with sustainable features, providing a dedicated space for meditation within its tranquil setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a helophyte filtration system for eco-friendly waste management.
02
Features an octagonal shape that enhances natural light and airflow.
03
Incorporates a collapsible desk to maximize space for meditation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced wood for sustainability and environmental integration.
05
Equipped with a rainwater collection system for efficient water use.

The cabin serves as a quiet retreat located within a natural landscape. Its main purpose is to provide a space for meditation, allowing individuals to escape the noise of daily life and focus inward. The design concept emphasizes a close relationship with the environment, reflected in the cabin's octagonal shape, which promotes both balance and tranquility.

Design Concept

The cabin’s octagonal form is important for both strength and symbolism, aligning with the idea of the noble eightfold path. Inside, spaces are clearly defined, including areas for sleeping, writing, and cooking. Each of these functions contributes to the overall goal of creating a peaceful environment for meditation, ensuring that every element within the cabin supports this focus.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, particularly in how waste is managed. The cabin includes a dry toilet system that separates urine and stool, making use of a helophyte filter to clean the waste. This approach highlights an ecological commitment and promotes careful resource use by allowing compost to return to the soil, supporting a cycle of life.

Water and Heating Systems

Water collection is carefully planned through a system that captures rain and channels it from the roof to storage tanks for both cold and hot water. This solution meets practical needs while considering environmental impacts. Heating is provided by a soapstone stove that relies on wood or pellets sourced nearby. This method efficiently maintains warmth in the cabin while aligning with sustainable practices.

Interior Materials

Materials chosen for the cabin play a significant role in shaping its character. Wood forms the main structure, providing strength and a connection to the natural setting. The interior uses wool, recycled fabric, and cork to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The design encourages a connection with the outdoors, featuring walls that can be opened or closed to respond to changes in the environment. This flexibility provides an interaction with nature, allowing the cabin to merge with the landscape while meeting the needs of its occupants.

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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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