Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reflective Cabins with Double Glazing Overlooking a Forested Lake

Authors:
Aamir Kundanpurwala, Sarvashree Gupta, Sparsh Jain, Rimjhim Kasera
Reflective Cabins with Double Glazing Overlooking a Forested Lake
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Set among reflective surfaces and surrounded by an expanse of forest, elevated cabins utilize double glazing to enhance thermal efficiency while providing a tranquil space for meditation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective surfaces enhance the connection with nature and light within the cabins.
02
Dry toilet systems promote sustainability through effective waste management.
03
Large windows provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest and lake.
04
Elevated design minimizes environmental impact by reducing footprint on the landscape.
05
Modular furniture allows versatility in use for various activities and needs.

The design project located in Latvia demonstrates a thoughtful connection with its surrounding natural environment. The cabins are created to offer functional living spaces while promoting a sense of tranquility. The overall concept centers on infinity, representing an ongoing relationship with nature. The structures are elevated to provide views of the nearby Bezdibene lake while ensuring minimal disruption to the forest.

Conceptual Framework

The foundation of the design is based on endless interaction with the landscape. This idea is expressed through reflective surfaces that allow for light and connection with the outdoor environment. The mirrors are more than decorative; they help visitors become aware of their surroundings, encouraging a deeper connection to nature.

Spatial Organization

The cabins are arranged across the site, each serving distinct purposes such as meditation and relaxation. Large windows are installed in every cabin, allowing natural light to flood in and offering clear views of the forest and lake. This design fosters a strong relationship with the outdoors, which is essential for creating a peaceful environment for reflection.

Sustainability and Waste Management

An important feature of the design is its commitment to sustainability, particularly through the use of dry toilet systems. These toilets do not require water for flushing, allowing for effective waste disposal while reducing environmental impact. By separating urine and feces, the project facilitates composting, providing valuable nutrients for local agricultural practices and demonstrating a clear focus on ecological responsibility.

Material Selections

The materials chosen for the project include mirrors, wood, concrete piles, granite, ceramic tiles, double-glazed units, and metal louvers. Each material serves a specific purpose, selected for durability and natural compatibility with the landscape. The materials enhance the overall visual appeal while ensuring the structures withstand the region’s climate.

The cabins incorporate modular furniture, allowing flexibility in how the spaces are used. Features such as porches and overhangs provide shaded areas for enjoying the outdoors, adding to the overall connection between the built environment and nature.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

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
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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