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Kauri Wood Pillars Framing Light-Filled Meditation Space Surrounded by Translucent Cloth

Author:
Chan Noh
Kauri Wood Pillars Framing Light-Filled Meditation Space Surrounded by Translucent Cloth
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Framed by pillars of kauri wood and enveloped in translucent cloth, the meditation space invites quiet reflection while harnessing natural light and air to enhance the connection between humans and their environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kauri wood pillars reflect traditional Maori architecture.
02
Steel pipes frame the entrance, creating a distinct contrast with nature.
03
Transparent acrylic tubes provide varied elevations for light and airflow.
04
The roof mimics forest canopies, enabling soft light diffusion.
05
A translucent cloth surrounds the structure, enhancing environmental connection.

The design draws inspiration from the historical journeys of the Maori tribes, focusing on their deep connection with the natural world. Located in New Zealand, the project functions as a space for meditation and reflection. It embodies themes of spirituality while illustrating an ongoing relationship between people and their environment. By combining artificial and natural elements, the design promotes an understanding of unity in diversity.

Spatial Experience
A stylized colonnade comprised of steel pipes frames the entrance, creating a sense of separation from the surrounding nature. This contrasting feature leads visitors from a structured environment into a more open meditation area. The spatial arrangement encourages exploration, offering various experiences as one moves deeper into the structure. It transforms from rigid to fluid, inviting a greater connection with the landscape.

Cultural Resonance
At the center is the meditation space, designed to symbolize the bond between humans and nature. Here, pillars evoke forms found in the outdoors, allowing users to engage with their environment meaningfully. Kauri wood, a traditional material in Maori architecture, adds cultural significance while providing a warm texture. This material choice helps transition the visitor’s experience from artificial to comforting.

Material Narrative
Materials play a significant role in shaping the experience of the space. Steel pipes emphasize the structured entrance, while transparent acrylic tubes introduce varying heights and allow for light and air movement. This setup represents a shift toward a more natural experience. The roof, made from circular polycarbonate, resembles a forest canopy. It allows filtered sunlight to softly illuminate the interior, enhancing the calm atmosphere.

Design Details
The building is surrounded by a translucent cloth that diffuses sunlight and offers protection from the weather. This detail strengthens the connection between the structure and its natural setting, creating an inviting environment for visitors. The interplay of light through the polycarbonate roof, combined with the touch of wood, establishes a space that encourages quiet thought and introspection.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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