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Round Timber Retreat with Expansive Glass Views

Authors:
Polina Minina, Nastia Minina
Round Timber Retreat with Expansive Glass Views
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With its round shape and ample glass surfaces, the cabin integrates seamlessly into the natural environment, offering panoramic views while serving as a comfortable retreat for relaxation and social gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in a pristine natural environment with minimal disruption to the landscape.
02
Rounded shape maximizes panoramic visibility from all interior spaces.
03
No interior doors create a fluid and open spatial experience.
04
Deck area features a hot tub for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment.
05
Sustainability is enhanced through the use of solar panels on the roof.

Situated in a beautiful natural environment, the cabin design emphasizes harmony with the landscape. It functions as a retreat for both rest and social interaction. The overall concept is to maintain a strong connection to nature while offering a comfortable space for occupants.

Conceptual Design

The choice of rounded shapes over traditional angular ones enhances visual flow. Nearly 360 degrees of visibility allows enjoyment of the surrounding landscape from almost any point inside. The absence of interior doors encourages free movement throughout the cabin. This design choice fosters a strong connection with nature and creates an open, welcoming atmosphere.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the spaces are carefully arranged to serve multiple purposes. There is a bedroom with a bathroom, a combined living area and kitchen, and a terrace where visitors can relax in a hot tub. Each area is designed for comfort and utility, whether for quiet reflection or lively gatherings. This thoughtful layout encourages both privacy and community among occupants.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability plays an important role in design decisions. Solar panels installed on the roof allow the cabin to function with minimal environmental impact. With a circular base measuring 10 meters in diameter and a platform of 13 meters, the structure stands out without overwhelming the landscape. The roof extends to 26 meters, providing ample protection and creating a distinctive outline against the natural backdrop.

Materiality

The materials chosen for the cabin are glass and wood. Glass is used to maximize natural light and maintain clear views, reinforcing the relationship between the inside and outside. Wood adds warmth and a tactile element, creating a comfortable atmosphere that invites people to feel at home in the space.

The circular terrace wraps around the cabin, offering a space for occupants to engage with the outdoors. From here, they can take in the changing colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset, connecting more deeply with the surrounding nature.

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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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