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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
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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.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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