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Suspended Shelter Crafted from Nylon and Steel for Forest Retreats

Authors:
Tatiana Estrina, Shengnan Gao
Suspended Shelter Crafted from Nylon and Steel for Forest Retreats
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Suspended between trees, this lightweight cabin constructed from nylon and steel provides a flexible and unobtrusive retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, merging seamlessly with its forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended design minimizes ground impact and promotes ecological sensitivity.
02
Nylon walls enable flexible reconfiguration for various outdoor conditions.
03
Tree-anchored structure allows for easy relocation to different sites.
04
Multi-level layout maximizes space utilization in a compact footprint.
05
Integrated natural light from polycarbonate roofing enhances user experience.

### Overview
The Amber Trekking Cabin is situated within a forested context, designed to enhance human engagement with the natural environment while maintaining ecological sensitivity. Its primary intent is to facilitate recreational and ecological functions, allowing users to experience the outdoors without compromising the integrity of the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The spatial organization of the cabin is characterized by two levels. The upper level serves as the main living area, providing expansive views and flexible space for various activities. The open design, combined with differing ceiling heights, enhances both vertical and horizontal circulation, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment. The ground level is seamlessly integrated with the forest floor, offering areas for storage or additional utility as needed, further promoting adaptability in usage.

### Materiality and Environmental Interaction
The cabin's construction employs a variety of materials that serve functional and aesthetic purposes. Nylon fabric functions as an adjustable barrier for walls, doors, and windows, allowing for dynamic interaction with the environment. The structural frame is supported by wood, imparting warmth and a traditional aesthetic. Polycarbonate panels in the roof enable natural light ingress while allowing for stargazing. Steel cable supports elevate the structure, minimizing ground disturbance and maintaining a lightweight profile, while plywood decking provides a stable walking surface. This careful selection of materials not only enhances durability but also promotes a deeper relationship between the occupants and their surroundings, allowing for an immersive experience in the wilderness.

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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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