Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Lantern-Inspired Retreat with Recycled Timber and Translucent Membrane

Authors:
Yeong Yee Yeoh, Minjie Liang
Lantern-Inspired Retreat with Recycled Timber and Translucent Membrane
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Crafted with a timber grid and enveloped in a retractable translucent membrane, this meditation cabin serves as a lantern in the forest, providing a serene space for introspection and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted as a lantern, the cabin lights up at night, enhancing its connection to the surrounding forest.
02
The design features a layered structure that provides both openness and privacy for users.
03
A retractable translucent membrane allows for adjustable light levels and environmental connection.
04
The cabin incorporates spaces for both meditation and flower essence production, catering to holistic practices.
05
Recycled timber is utilized to minimize environmental impact while contributing to the cabin's warm aesthetic.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in the Earth Energies Sanctuary, a serene spot in New Zealand. Its primary purpose is to provide a space for individuals to meditate and connect with nature. The design embodies the concept of a lantern, guiding visitors with its soft light while enhancing their experience in a peaceful setting. This simple yet effective design promotes reflection and tranquility away from daily distractions.

Design Concept

The cabin is thoughtfully placed at the center of the sanctuary, surrounded by tall trees. This location allows it to act as a guiding light, drawing visitors in. The structure focuses on the relationship between the cabin and its natural surroundings. Its layered design emphasizes both openness and protection, making it a safe area for contemplation.

Spatial Organization

The cabin is arranged over two levels, each serving different functions. The ground floor is welcoming, designed for both people and wildlife. It gives a sense of comfort and shelter, encouraging relaxation. In contrast, the upper level is dedicated to meditation and the production of flower essences. This division of space enhances the ability to focus on spiritual practices while maintaining a connection with the environment.

Materiality and Structural Approach

The main construction material is recycled timber, chosen for its sustainability. This decision aligns with the cabin’s purpose of creating a low impact on the environment. The timber structure allows natural light to fill the spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The outer layer features a retractable translucent membrane. This membrane offers privacy and lets in light while keeping the feeling of being outside.

Unique Features

Several features encourage interaction with the surrounding nature. The timber grid acts as a framework for growing plants as well as a defining architectural element. This allows for the cultivation of flower essences within the cabin while enhancing the sensory experience for visitors. At night, this setup makes the cabin glow softly, creating a comforting presence in the dark landscape. It becomes a source of warmth, inviting people to step inside and pause for reflection.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy