Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Meditation Retreat with Photovoltaic Panels Amid an Artificial Lake

Authors:
Rodrigo Gurgel, Maria Clara Freire, Vitoria Conrado Alexandre, Rita De Cassia Pinheiro Gurgel
Meditation Retreat with Photovoltaic Panels Amid an Artificial Lake
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The integration of photovoltaic panels and a meditation spot within an artificial lake creates a serene environment tailored for poets seeking reflection and inspiration in a thoughtfully organized retreat setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Host's hut serves as a central communal hub for residents.
02
The design includes a meditation area set within an artificial lake.
03
All huts are strategically positioned to enhance privacy and seclusion.
04
Photovoltaic panels provide renewable energy for the entire retreat.
05
Common area features a retractable roof to adapt to different activities.

The design presents a tranquil space situated within a natural environment, intended as a retreat for poets who seek both inspiration and solitude. The layout integrates communal and private areas in a manner that encourages interaction among residents while offering opportunities for quiet reflection. This balance shapes a concept that respects the flow of nature, drawing influence from the movement of nearby trees.

Site Organization

The scheme is organized into clear sections that guide movement from public to private spaces. Central to the arrangement is the host's hut, which acts as a shared hub. It includes living and dining rooms, a kitchen, bathroom, closet, and bedroom, as well as a private terrace. This thoughtful positioning promotes socializing, making it a fitting location for gatherings.

Communal Spaces

Next to the host's hut is the common area, designed to foster collaborative experiences. This multifunctional space features a retractable roof, a dining room, restrooms that accommodate disabilities, and a shared kitchen. These elements encourage residents to enjoy meals together and participate in communal activities, enhancing connections within the group.

Residential Huts

Various residential huts are included in the design, each tailored for specific needs. The four-person hut comes with a kitchenette, storage, bathroom, bedroom, and private terrace, making it suitable for small groups. The two-person huts consist of a storage room, bathroom, kitchenette, bedroom, private terrace, and laundry facilities, ideal for couples. Finally, the one-person huts provide a kitchenette, bedroom, private terrace, and bathroom, ensuring that each individual has their own retreat space.

Sustainability and Design Details

Sustainability features prominently in the design through the use of photovoltaic panels, which generate energy for the site. Materials chosen for construction include metal roof insulated panels, interior metal cladding insulated panels, fiberglass insulation, steel structure, glass panes, wood plank flooring with insulated triple glazing, and a radiant floor-based water heating system. A unique aspect is the meditation spot located within an artificial lake, serving as a quiet area for reflection and connection with nature.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 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
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
new
Bellano Cotton 
Mill Museum

Design a museum in the former Cantoni Cotton Mill, Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 3 December 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 10 December 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 14 January 2027

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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