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Stained Glass Retreat with Wood Chip Facades and Private Meditation Cabins

Authors:
Alexey Kashapov, Svetlana Kashapova
Stained Glass Retreat with Wood Chip Facades and Private Meditation Cabins
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A retreat defined by its stained glass windows and wood chip facades offers a series of private meditation cabins designed to enhance connection with nature and promote tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a circular layout to enhance spatial flow and connection to nature.
02
Meditation cabins are strategically separated by hedges for privacy and solitude.
03
Each cabin features an open area with views overlooking a gorge, enriching the meditative experience.
04
A convertible massage table within the cabins allows for flexibility during use.
05
The façade utilizes wood chips as a veneer, referencing traditional Portuguese materials.

The design focuses on integrating meditation spaces within a natural landscape. Set in an environment that promotes calmness, the aim is to align the structure with its surroundings. The concept is based on nature as a genuine element, with forms reflecting organic growth and enhancing the experience of contemplation.

Conceptual Framework

A circular form serves as the main design element. This shape is chosen for its ability to improve spatial use and movement. Unlike traditional rectangular layouts, the circle invites a more natural flow within the space. It acts as a fundamental aspect of the design, connecting the architecture to the organic elements found in nature, and ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for users.

Integration with Nature

The design features a transparent stained glass window that connects the interior to the outside. This window brings in natural light and establishes a visual link with the surrounding landscape. It not only enhances the aesthetic but also emphasizes the connection between the occupants and their environment, creating an immersive experience that encourages peace.

Meditation Cabins

Meditation cabins are strategically placed for privacy, separated by hedges to maintain a sense of solitude. Each cabin includes an open area dedicated to meditation, thoughtfully oriented to provide views of a gorge below. This positioning allows users to engage deeply with their surroundings, enriching their meditation practice.

Interior Flexibility

Flexibility is an important consideration in the interior design. The cabins include a massage table that can be integrated into the floor plan. This design choice allows for clear space during meditation while providing utility. When in use, the table enhances the connection to nature, as a mirrored detailing beneath it creates an engaging sensory interaction.

The choice of materials supports a natural aesthetic. Traditional Portuguese tiled roofs are referenced through the use of wood chips for the veneer. This decision links the building to local architectural styles and fosters a dialogue between the structure and the environment.

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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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