Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Meditation Retreat Featuring Tensile Fabric Canopy and Natural Wood Finishes within a Forest Setting

Authors:
Nick Safley, Cait Cashner
Meditation Retreat Featuring Tensile Fabric Canopy and Natural Wood Finishes within a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled within a serene forest, this meditation retreat combines a tensile fabric canopy and custom printed surfaces with natural wood finishes to create a harmonious space that fosters mindfulness and deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The cabin's tensile fabric canopy provides both shelter and dynamic light modulation, enhancing the meditative experience indoors.
02
Custom printed fabric elements mimic natural textures, creating a seamless visual connection with the surrounding environment.
03
A bent A-frame design not only enhances structural aesthetics but also improves wind resistance and thermal performance.
04
The integration of radiant heating systems beneath natural wood finishes ensures consistent comfort while maintaining a minimalist design.
05
Outdoor engagement areas are strategically designed to encourage interaction with nature, fostering community bonding and personal reflection.
The project in focus is an architectural design known as "Wabinat," which represents a thoughtful interpretation of a meditative cabin harmonized with its natural surroundings. This design emphasizes an organic approach, fostering a tranquil environment where individuals can engage in reflection and personal growth. The cabin is tailored to serve as a serene retreat, making it suitable for various uses, from solitary contemplation to group gatherings for mindfulness practices.

"Wabinat" embodies the essence of architecture as a means to create spaces that promote well-being. The design intends to encourage users to connect with their inner selves while simultaneously fostering a connection with the natural world. The flowing forms and gentle curves of the architecture allow the cabin to blend with its forested setting, creating a space that feels both enveloping and open, facilitating a profound experience of nature.

Key elements of the project include its unique form, which mimics the organic shapes found in the environment. The architectural design features a distinctive tail-like extension that not only adds visual interest but also creates a welcoming outdoor area. This design approach emphasizes the importance of outdoor engagement, where users can interact with the landscape and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The cabin's roof incorporates tensile fabric, providing shelter while allowing soft light to filter through, enhancing the calming atmosphere within.

The interior of the "Wabinat" project is designed with a focus on comfort and simplicity. By using natural materials, such as wood, the interior remains warm and inviting, fostering an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. The space includes ergonomic seating arrangements and well-considered layouts that prioritize the user's experience. Glass elements, particularly large circular windows, draw the outside in, offering unobstructed views and allowing the vibrant colors and textures of nature to permeate the space.

In terms of materiality, the project emphasizes sustainability and a commitment to ecological principles. Reinforced concrete serves as the foundation, ensuring durability and stability. The use of prefabricated steel in the structure provides structural integrity while allowing for innovative design applications. The custom fabric printed to resemble natural stone adds a layer of texture and connection to the site, underscoring the overall design philosophy.

The cabin’s strategic placement within its forested context is another vital aspect of the project. By carefully considering the landscape and its characteristics, the design integrates seamlessly into its environment, preserving the natural beauty and promoting biodiversity. This thoughtful integration highlights the importance of respecting and complementing nature, rather than imposing on it.

The unique approach of "Wabinat" lies in its focus on creating a genuinely immersive experience in nature. It stands as an architectural response to the growing need for spaces that support mental well-being and mindfulness. This project exemplifies how architecture can serve as a catalyst for personal and collective reflection, illustrating a path towards a more integrated relationship with the environment.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of the "Wabinat" project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural ideas, a thorough examination of the project presentation is highly encouraged. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the design intentions and the thoughtful execution that defines this serene and impactful architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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