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Thermal Mud Walls and Woven Flax in a Circular Meditation Space

Authors:
Naro Goller, Burak Camgöz, Alexander Lehmann
Thermal Mud Walls and Woven Flax in a Circular Meditation Space
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Constructed with thermal mud walls and woven flax, the cabin's circular design fosters a unique connection with nature, providing an adaptable space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mud walls provide thermal mass for temperature regulation.
02
Woven flax walls enhance natural light and outdoor views.
03
Circular layout promotes inclusivity and eliminates hierarchy.
04
Located in a clearing surrounded by native trees for tranquility.
05
Designed for adaptable meditation practices in various weather conditions.

The meditation cabin, located in the Earth Energies Sanctuary in New Zealand, offers a peaceful environment for personal reflection and mindfulness. Surrounded by a clearing and native trees, the design emphasizes a strong connection to nature. The cabin serves as a dedicated space for meditation practitioners, focusing on simplicity and harmony. The overall concept features a circular layout that promotes inclusivity and removes typical hierarchies found in conventional buildings.

Circular Layout

The circular design of the cabin allows it to blend with the landscape, inviting users to engage with their surroundings. This shape fosters feelings of openness while also supporting both individual experiences and group activities. By eliminating corners, the layout contributes to a sense of fluidity, important for creating a calming atmosphere that encourages concentration.

Thermal Wall Feature

A key aspect of the cabin is the mud wall on the southern side. This wall serves multiple purposes, including housing an altar, a fireplace, and shelves for meditation essentials. It plays a crucial role in thermal regulation by absorbing heat during daytime hours and releasing it at night. This function ensures that the indoor climate remains comfortable for users, enhancing the meditation experience.

Flexible Walls

The walls, designed to move like doors, are covered with woven flax, allowing light to enter and providing views of the outdoors. This feature enables users to adjust the space according to their needs, creating a versatile environment for meditation. The ability to open or close the space depending on weather conditions or personal preference adds to the cabin's functionality.

Material and Sustainability

Prominent materials like rammed earth characterize the building, aligning with a focus on sustainability. This choice helps with thermal efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The use of woven flax not only adds texture but also connects the cabin to local craftsmanship and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of place.

The thoughtful arrangement of spaces within the cabin allows natural light to flood in, creating inviting areas for meditation. The design encourages a balance between indoor comfort and outdoor connection, making it a suitable retreat for anyone seeking tranquility.

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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
Prize 100,000 €
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