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Tree-Inspired Cabin with Steel Cables and Concrete Flowerpots for Meditation

Author:
Leonardo Zorz
Tree-Inspired Cabin with Steel Cables and Concrete Flowerpots for Meditation
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Constructed with steel cables and concrete flowerpots, this tree-inspired cabin provides a tranquil space for meditation while ensuring a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tree-inspired design enhances connection to the environment.
02
Utilizes steel cables for structural support and flexibility.
03
Concrete flowerpots serve both aesthetic and functional roles.
04
Open layout promotes continuous interaction with nature.
05
Plywood hoarding shapes the interior while providing protection.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in the peaceful landscape of Mangatarata, New Zealand. It functions as a meditation space, focused on silence and reflection. The design draws from simple shapes that evoke feelings of safety and comfort. The cabin offers a retreat for those looking to find peace and connect with nature.

Conceptual Framework

The design integrates with the environment in a thoughtful way. Inspiration comes from the structure of a tree, which allows for openings that connect the interior with the outside world. This careful arrangement creates an engaging experience, making it possible for users to meditate while immersing themselves in nature.

Spatial Relationships

The cabin evokes the feeling of being in a cave, providing shelter while offering a view of the surrounding landscape. This relationship enhances the experience of being indoors while still feeling connected to the outside. The focus on how space is arranged ensures that visitors have a calming place for reflection, where the design supports a peaceful atmosphere.

Material Composition

Material choices for the Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin add to its overall look and function. Steel cables provide structural support, while plywood hoarding shapes the form of the cabin. Concrete flowerpots serve both decorative and structural purposes, helping balance the design. Flitch plates reinforce connections at joints, enhancing stability, and everything rests on a solid concrete foundation.

The resulting space is characterized by a blend of geometry and nature, creating an environment that encourages quiet contemplation and allows the natural surroundings to play an essential role in the experience.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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