Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Meditative Retreat Elevated by Vertical Fins and Rainwater Efficiency

Authors:
Daniel Nguyen, Marcos Carrillo, Spencer Mischka, Jordan Roberts
Meditative Retreat Elevated by Vertical Fins and Rainwater Efficiency
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated by a unique vertical fin system that filters light while facilitating rainwater collection, the cabin serves as a secluded meditation space designed for introspection and connection with the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected and filtered for practical use within the cabin.
02
The vertical fin screen system modulates light while maintaining privacy.
03
Each level offers a distinct purpose, enhancing the meditative experience.
04
The design integrates phytoremediation for improved indoor air quality.
05
A sky frame allows natural light to illuminate the second-level sleeping area.

The Perched Meditation cabin is located in the Ozolini forest of northern Latvia. It functions as a retreat, designed to promote mindfulness and a connection to nature. The aim is to provide a tranquil space that allows for deeper introspection and reflection, away from the distractions of modern life. The overall design concept emphasizes layers and spatial arrangement, creating a distinct experience at each level.

Structural Organization

The cabin consists of three stacked levels, each with a specific purpose that enhances the experience for its occupants. The base level is practical, combining spaces for food preparation, storage, and a dry toilet. This level serves as a transition point, helping users shift their focus from the outside world to a more inward state. The utility space is functional yet intentionally crafted to support the need for a personal sanctuary.

Meditative Spaces

As one ascends to the second level, the focus shifts to self-reflection and personal documentation. The area above the bed features a sky frame that allows natural light to filter in, fostering a quiet environment for contemplation. This layout encourages users to engage with their thoughts and feelings, facilitating their journey through meditation.

Connection with Nature

The top level serves as a meditative perch and provides a direct view of the surrounding landscape. It enhances the connection with nature, allowing for an immersive experience. An operable opening gives users the option to control their interaction with the outside environment, creating a varied sensory experience that complements the act of meditating.

Sustainable Systems

A significant aspect of the cabin is the rainwater collection system. The roof is designed to capture rainwater, which is stored in a two-tank in-wall cistern. The primary tank filters air within the cabin, contributing to improved indoor air quality. The secondary tank is for practical uses, such as washing, which reflects a careful approach to sustainability and resource management.

The vertical fin screen system plays a crucial role in shaping the cabin's atmosphere. It filters light and introduces a distinct quality to each space, balancing privacy with a sense of openness as users move through the various levels.

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
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
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

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
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
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

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