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Thatched Retreat Amidst Forest Solitude

Authors:
Carlos Gómez Sos, Christina Voronina, Aleksei Karlinsky
Thatched Retreat Amidst Forest Solitude
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A thatched roof cabin, designed with a conical form and set within the Latvian forest, provides a serene retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatched roof enhances insulation and blends with the forest.
02
Conical shape symbolizes cyclical existence and connection to nature.
03
Interior layout clearly defines areas for meditation and rest.
04
Flexible design adapts to varying topographies of the site.
05
Folding doors facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.

Set in the quiet expanse of the Latvian forest, the meditation cabin serves as a space for reflection and calm. The design concept focuses on connecting the built environment with nature, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages mindfulness. This cabin aims to provide a retreat from the fast-paced modern world by offering a simple, yet thoughtful place for personal solace.

Historical Context

The design reflects ideas from historical architecture, especially the notion of protection as proposed by Vitruvius. Instead of complex forms, it takes inspiration from nature, manifesting a structure that resembles trees. This choice fosters a sense of belonging within the forest, allowing the cabin to function as both a shelter and a part of its natural surroundings.

Materiality

A significant feature is the thatched roof, which serves both practical and cultural purposes. This traditional material provides insulation, which is essential for comfort in different weather conditions. The roof's soft shape blends with the forest, making the cabin feel less like an intrusion and more like a natural extension of the landscape. This connection to local building practices emphasizes the idea that architecture can coexist with nature.

Spatial Organization

The cabin’s layout is designed to provide clear areas for meditation, rest, and essential functions. Each space is thoughtfully defined to support specific activities while promoting relaxation. This separation helps create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to deep reflection. Practicality does not compete with the sense of solitude; rather, it enhances the overall experience for those inside.

Adaptability and Interaction

The design also considers the diverse topography of the Latvian forest, allowing the cabin to adapt whether it is surrounded by dense trees, situated in an open area, or located near a lake. This flexibility ensures that the cabin maintains its connection with nature and that users can interact with their environment in different ways.

The entrance features a series of folding doors that can fully open, inviting the outdoor environment into the living space. This design choice encourages a continuous transition between inside and outside, enhancing the overall sensory experience of being in 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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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