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Timber Retreat Embracing Nature with Thatched Brick Elements

Authors:
Liv Green, Rachel Fay
Timber Retreat Embracing Nature with Thatched Brick Elements
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Constructed with timber and adorned with thatched brick accents, the retreat harmonizes with its natural setting to provide a space dedicated to mindfulness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to support daily Vipassana meditation rituals.
02
Incorporates thatched brick for a connection to local building traditions.
03
Natural spruce pine scent enhances the sensory experience.
04
Timber details emphasize tactile engagement throughout the retreat.
05
Cabins are strategically oriented to maximize natural light and views.

The Ozolini Retreat offers a space designed to foster mindfulness and introspection. Situated in a quiet countryside, the retreat embodies the philosophy of Vipassana meditation, which emphasizes living fully in the moment. The architecture integrates with the surrounding landscape, creating an environment where individuals can step away from daily distractions and connect with nature.

Spatial Organization
The layout of the retreat is carefully structured to support daily practices that are central to Vipassana. Users can engage in routines like waking, dressing, washing, and preparing food in a way that encourages mindfulness. Each space flows into the next, promoting a deeper awareness of simple actions. This arrangement facilitates moments of reflection and engagement with the environment.

Materiality
Timber is a defining material of the retreat, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. This choice connects the structures to the natural setting, allowing occupants to feel a sense of belonging. The use of thatched bricks in the exterior design reflects traditional Latvian building techniques, adding authenticity to the retreat and grounding it in local culture.

Natural Light
The interior spaces prioritize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. Large windows and thoughtfully positioned openings frame scenes of nature, blurring the line between inside and outside. This design choice enhances the experience by allowing users to engage with both the retreat and its environment, encouraging contemplation and mindfulness.

The design includes small details that create a peaceful atmosphere. The rounded edges of wooden steps encourage a gentle touch, while the recessed chopping board in the kitchen counter makes food preparation easy and efficient. These thoughtful elements contribute to an overall experience of heightened awareness in daily life.

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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.

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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