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Sustainable Greywood Cabins Integrated with Water Gardens for Communal Retreats

Authors:
Estelle Desallais, Paule Perron, Lina Jaïdi
Sustainable Greywood Cabins Integrated with Water Gardens for Communal Retreats
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Characterized by its sustainable greywood construction and integrated water gardens, the design creates an immersive communal retreat that harmonizes living spaces with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with eco-certified greywood, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
02
Water gardens effectively treat greywater while providing a tranquil outdoor setting.
03
Utilizes expanded cork insulation for superior energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
04
Large, strategically placed windows create unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The design incorporates a communal restaurant positioned among mature oak trees to foster social interaction.

## Overview

Located in the Latvian forest, the Cabin Fever project emphasizes the relationship between human habitation and the natural environment. The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to create a holistic living space that incorporates eco-friendly materials, fostering an awareness of the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The layout consists of several elements including multiple cabins, a communal restaurant, a spa, and water gardens. Each structure is strategically positioned to enhance views and provide access to outdoor spaces, promoting community interaction while ensuring privacy. The decentralized arrangement allows for an organic flow between buildings and nature, facilitating a communal experience without sacrificing individual retreat spaces. Public areas such as the restaurant and spa are distinctly separated from the private cabins, allowing residents to engage in communal activities while still enjoying moments of solitude.

## Material and Environmental Integration

The design utilizes eco-certified grey wood for cladding, providing an aesthetic that harmonizes with its surroundings. The structure incorporates insulated wood framing and large windows that maximize natural light and offer expansive views, effectively blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Concrete is employed in structural and water treatment elements for durability, while systems for greywater and rainwater filtration are implemented as part of the water recycling strategy. The incorporation of passive solar heating and cooling reflects the commitment to environmental sustainability, enhancing overall thermal efficiency in a manner that aligns with local ecological contexts.

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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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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.

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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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