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Stargazing Cabin with Black Wood Cladding and Natural Timber Elements

Author:
Honggi Lim
Stargazing Cabin with Black Wood Cladding and Natural Timber Elements
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Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's rolling hills, the cabin's black wood cladding and local timber structure create a private retreat that emphasizes outdoor living and stargazing through its thoughtfully designed skylight.
5 key facts about this project
01
Black wood cladding enhances the cabin's integration with the natural environment.
02
The design includes offset zones for distinct living and private areas.
03
Skylight enables direct stargazing from the interior space.
04
An outdoor hot tub is centrally positioned for privacy and landscape views.
05
Local timber is used as the primary structural element for sustainability.

The cabin is designed to embody the spirit of a journey, positioned in the rolling hills of New Zealand. It harmonizes with the landscape, creating a space where nature and living coexist. The structure serves as both a home and a retreat, rooted in the simplicity and beauty of its surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The design divides the cabin into two distinct zones. One zone includes the kitchen and living area, where large windows frame views of the hills. This section encourages social interaction and communal activities, making it a lively space for occupants. The other zone features a bedroom and bathroom, providing a private area that prioritizes comfort and tranquility.

Connection to Nature

A key feature of the cabin is the outdoor hot tub, positioned between the two zones. This thoughtful placement allows for privacy while keeping occupants connected to the landscape. Expansive decks extend from the openings of the cabin, removing the barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design invites nature into daily life.

Architectural Details

Attention is given to the skylight, which enhances the cabin's connection to the night sky. When the sun sets, the interior space transforms into a canvas for stargazing. This feature adds a unique aspect to the experience of being in the cabin, encouraging occupants to connect with the celestial world above.

Material Selection

The choice of materials is aimed at blending the cabin with its natural setting. The exterior features black wood roof cladding, which adds longevity and integrates with the landscape. Local timber serves as the main structural element, promoting sustainability through the use of materials sourced from the immediate area.

The integration of the hot tub and the surrounding decks creates a fluid transition between the inside and outside, enriching the experience of living in this unique 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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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