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Hexagonal Retreat with Concrete Footings and Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
Francesca Doctolero, Ciara Martins, Yuliya Ivanova, Joshua D'souza
Hexagonal Retreat with Concrete Footings and Natural Wood Elements
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With its hexagonal forms reminiscent of tree trunks and integration of concrete footings, the retreat offers a sustainable haven for short stays focused on well-being in a forested landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses hexagonal forms to reflect the natural geometry of tree trunks.
02
Incorporates concrete footings for enhanced structural stability.
03
Features dedicated areas for meditation and well-being activities.
04
Utilizes cross-ventilation for improved indoor air quality.
05
Employs natural materials to promote harmony with the forest environment.

The Silent Cabin project is located in a forested area, designed to offer a retreat that emphasizes the connection between people and nature. The cabin features three hexagonal forms that resemble tree trunks, reflecting a modular design concept that integrates well into the natural setting. Intended for short stays lasting 3 to 5 days, the cabin encourages a balanced lifestyle through thoughtfully arranged spaces that address the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of its users.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on promoting balance by providing areas for various activities, including recreation, relaxation, and dining. Spaces for reading and meditation, combined with facilities for yoga and meals, ensure that occupants have a supportive environment during their stay. This approach allows for a meaningful interaction with nature, encouraging visitors to connect with their surroundings while considering their well-being.



Materials and Structure

The Silent Cabin is built using a wood frame, employing wood studs that rest on concrete footings for structural support. The floors consist of wood planks laid atop joists, linking the interior with the natural elements found outdoors. This choice of materials enhances the building's durability and helps it fit more naturally into its environment.



Environmental Strategies

Several strategies are implemented to enhance energy efficiency and comfort within the cabin. Cross-ventilation is facilitated by the roof design, which allows for natural airflow. Louvers are used to manage passive solar gain and improve temperature control. Long windows ensure maximum daylight enters the cabin, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a pleasant atmosphere inside.



Design Detail

The roof's thermal mass plays a crucial role in heat retention, contributing to the comfort of the space. Moreover, features like rainwater collection support sustainability, reducing reliance on external water sources and minimizing the ecological footprint. The combination of these design elements results in a structure that harmonizes with the natural landscape, reflecting a careful consideration of both form and function.

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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.

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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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