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Openable Façade Cabin Framed with Wood and Glass in a Forested Retreat

Author:
Viktoria Schüle
Openable Façade Cabin Framed with Wood and Glass in a Forested Retreat
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An openable façade crafted from glass and wood creates a seamless blend between indoor comfort and the surrounding forest, providing a tranquil retreat designed for relaxation and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Openable glass façade enhances natural light and views while maintaining privacy.
02
Sliding walls allow for flexible space reconfiguration to suit different activities.
03
Designed with an elevated structure to integrate seamlessly with the forest landscape.
04
Uses locally sourced wood for the main structure, reinforcing ecological sustainability.
05
Central fireplace serves as a communal gathering point within the natural surroundings.

The design of the cabin showcases a thoughtful integration with its natural surroundings, emphasizing a theme of retreat and connection to the environment. Inspired by the imagery of a path through a forest, the cabin reflects the shapes of tree trunks and the delicate quality of fog. These elements create a sense of tranquility, offering a space for relaxation and deeper engagement with nature.

Structural Form and Façade

The cabin features an elevated design supported by a distinct structure. The openable façade enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, while also ensuring privacy from neighboring buildings. This semi-transparent façade allows light to flow into the space, balancing brightness with comfort and a sense of seclusion.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout is divided into five key areas: a corridor, a bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom with built-in storage, and a relaxation space. This arrangement encourages flexibility, allowing the sliding walls to adapt the space based on the occupants’ needs. The design promotes an easy movement between these areas, making it suitable for various activities.

Materiality and Environment

Materials are chosen with care, emphasizing local sources and natural characteristics. Wood is the primary material used throughout, reinforcing the theme of connection with the surroundings. Aluminum components contribute to the structure's durability while offering a modern touch. Large glass panels enhance natural light and showcase views, deepening the bond between the cabin and the landscape.

Pathway and Lighting

The pathway to the cabin is designed to enhance the experience of being in nature. It guides visitors smoothly from the parking area to the cabin and its surrounding water. A central fireplace brings people together, encouraging social interactions. For lighting, a wooden shell conceals LED fixtures, creating a soft glow that complements the cabin’s warm atmosphere during evenings.

The cabin's openable façade invites not just views, but also the sounds and scents of the natural environment, creating a space where indoor comfort meets the beauty of the outdoors.

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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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