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Reflective Retreat with Pinewood Structure and Double Mirror Elements

Authors:
Marco Di Pisa, Daphne Tarantino, Silvia Albano, Marianna Di Salvo
Reflective Retreat with Pinewood Structure and Double Mirror Elements
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With its innovative use of double mirror elements and a pinewood structure, the retreat offers a unique space for meditation that enhances the connection between users and their natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The entrance is defined by the removal of a facade, creating a unique threshold between inside and outside.
02
The building’s angular framework symbolizes continuous growth and connection to nature.
03
Mirrors on the roof reflect both the landscape and sky, enhancing the visual dialogue with the environment.
04
A net terrace is designed specifically for meditation, allowing users to gaze into the horizon.
05
Lighting is exclusively created using candles within colored globes to engage chromotherapy.

Gemma is located in a natural setting and serves as a space designed for meditation and self-reflection. The project draws inspiration from the features of gems and crystals, focusing on the connection between nature and people. The structure encourages mindfulness, inviting occupants to engage with both their surroundings and their inner selves.

Framework and Geometry

The design includes a framework that resembles a crystal with different angles, symbolizing continuous growth and a bond with the environment. This geometry enriches the visual experience and enhances how light interacts within the space. Mirrors cover the sloped roof, reflecting the surrounding landscape and sky, which creates a visual dialogue between the building and its natural context.

Spatial Organization

In the ground floor, areas are allocated for meditation and daily activities. This arrangement supports community interaction and individual contemplation. A central staircase leads to an upper terrace that provides an outdoor space meant for enjoying nature. A unique feature of the terrace is a net designed for meditation, allowing users to gaze toward the horizon and connect with the expansive sky.

Materiality and Interior Experience

The entrance is made by removing one of the facades. This design choice creates a threshold that defines the transition from the outside world to the inviting warmth of the interior space. Inside, tatami mats are used for flooring. These mats are chosen for their thermal insulation and the calming scent they bring, contributing to an atmosphere suited for meditation.

Light and Ambiance

At the tip of the structure, a double transparent mirror is incorporated, which allows light to penetrate the building while maintaining internal warmth. Candles placed within colored globes provide a unique lighting experience that engages the senses and supports different forms of meditation. The way light is handled adds depth to the users' interaction with the space, enriching their experience as they pursue mindfulness.

The interplay of light and material creates a tranquil and inviting space, where users can reflect and find peace amidst their surroundings.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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