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Triple-Glazed Retreat with Wood and Cellulose Integration

Authors:
Gökhan Aksoy, Melike Soyal, Erald Varaku, Zeynep Seyhan
Triple-Glazed Retreat with Wood and Cellulose Integration
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Constructed with triple-glazed openings and locally sourced wood, the cabin seamlessly integrates with its landscape to provide a serene space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cellulose insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Features a minimalist interior design promoting personal reflection.
03
Incorporates triple-glazed windows for optimal light and thermal performance.
04
Roofline designed to mimic the natural contours of the landscape.
05
Strategically placed mechanical room to minimize heat loss.

The cabin merges with its natural surroundings, offering a quiet space for meditation. Set within a tranquil landscape, the design focuses on a strong connection to nature. By encouraging openness and light, the concept draws inspiration from the form of a tree crown. This connection to nature shapes both the spatial arrangement and visual appeal of the cabin.

Form and Aesthetics

The shape of the cabin reflects the curves of its environment, creating a bond with the land. Large windows allow sunlight to enter, illuminating the interior while framing outdoor views. This design not only lets in natural light but also invites the beauty of nature inside. The structure encourages users to experience the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Interior Design and Functionality

Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist style that promotes calmness and quiet reflection. The straightforward layout allows individuals to personalize their areas, enhancing their experiences. All spaces are designed to accommodate different ways of meditating and relaxing, making it easy to connect with the surroundings.

Material Specifications

Wood is a key material in the cabin’s interior, providing warmth and supporting the connection with nature. The use of cellulose insulation and mineral wool board helps with temperature control and energy efficiency. Large south-facing windows made of triple-insulated glass enhance passive solar heating, ensuring the space remains bright while minimizing energy loss.

Sustainable Systems

The mechanical systems are planned carefully to enhance energy use. The mechanical room is located underground, which reduces heat loss throughout the structure. A heating system delivers warmth evenly, while a propane tank-style water heater works with heat recovery ventilation to maintain comfort during colder months. These features work together to create a sustainable environment that does not compromise on design.

The roofline of the cabin mimics the natural contours of the landscape, reinforcing its connection to the environment. The generous amounts of glass enrich the interior, ensuring the beauty of nature is always within view.

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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.

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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