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Plexiglass Retreat Surrounded by Nature for Mindful Practices

Author:
Jiri Trojan
Plexiglass Retreat Surrounded by Nature for Mindful Practices
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Constructed with plexiglass and wooden frames, the cabin offers a harmonious space for meditation within the immersive landscape of the New Zealand bush, prioritizing a deep connection to nature and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with plexiglass for natural light and views.
02
Dedicated area for processing flower essences from local plants.
03
Includes a small altar to enhance the meditation experience.
04
Open terrace facilitates direct engagement with the surrounding nature.
05
Utilizes precision-engineered wooden frames for structural integrity.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in a peaceful clearing within the New Zealand bush, designed to provide a refuge for meditation and relaxation. It focuses on connecting people to nature through its thoughtful design. The concept behind the cabin encourages tranquility and mindfulness while integrating the natural landscape with the built environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The cabin features a clear balance between enclosed and open areas. About two-thirds of the structure is covered with plexiglass sheets, allowing sunlight to brighten the interior while keeping it protected from inclement weather. This enclosed area serves multiple functions, acting as a meditation space and a workspace for processing flower essences from local plants. A small altar is included to create a focused and contemplative atmosphere.

Outdoor Engagement

The remaining one-third of the cabin is an open terrace that connects guests directly to the landscape. This outdoor space encourages visitors to engage with the surrounding nature, offering a place for quiet reflection or group meditations in the open air. The combination of covered and open areas creates a versatile environment, accommodating both communal practices and individual moments of solitude.

Construction Techniques

The structure’s strength is achieved through well-designed wooden elements. The use of wooden frames and window constructions adds to the stability of the cabin. Wooden glued frames crafted with CNC milling technology ensure precision while maintaining an appealing appearance. These building methods contribute to the quality of the overall structure and reinforce its connection with the natural surroundings.

Materiality and Texture

Careful choices in materials enhance the cabin's design. The wooden frames and plexiglass play essential roles in creating warmth and openness. The design includes a wooden deck that extends the usable space for outdoor activities, allowing users to engage more fully with their environment. These elements reflect a design philosophy that values ecological sensitivity and user experience, emphasizing the importance of nature in promoting well-being.

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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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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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