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Washi Paper Windows and Shoji Doors Within a Tranquil Forest Retreat

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Washi Paper Windows and Shoji Doors Within a Tranquil Forest Retreat
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Constructed with Shoji doors and Washi paper windows, the cabin blends seamlessly into its forest setting, creating a tranquil space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates sliding Shoji panel doors to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.
02
It features Washi paper windows that diffuse light for a calming ambiance.
03
A circular moon door serves as a skylight, connecting users with the sky above.
04
Construction method minimizes ground impact to protect the surrounding ecosystem.
05
Solar-powered LED lights illuminate the approach at night while preserving dark skies.

The Forest Grove Meditation Cabin is set in a tranquil forest environment, designed to provide a space for quiet reflection and mindfulness. The design takes inspiration from both the calmness of a forest grove and the traditional features of a Japanese tea house. The goal is to create a connection to nature that enhances the experience of meditation and contemplation.

Forest Grove Influence

The cabin is carefully integrated into its surroundings, surrounded by trees that allow sunlight to filter through. This creates a beautiful play of light and shadow within and around the structure. The trees frame the building, enriching the user experience by fostering peace and introspection. The tall trees add a vertical dimension, complementing the cabin’s low profile and creating a balance with the natural setting.

Japanese Tea House Elements

The design incorporates aspects of traditional Japanese architecture, notably the use of sliding Shoji panel doors. These doors offer flexibility, allowing visitors to merge indoor and outdoor spaces. The windows are made with rice Washi paper, softening the natural light and enhancing the serene atmosphere inside. A zen window provides a framed view of the forest, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment in a thoughtful way.

Interior Clarity and Spatial Design

Inside, the layout is open and uncluttered, facilitating mental clarity and focus. This minimal approach means that visitors can fully connect with their surroundings without distractions. A circular moon door is placed in the ceiling, functioning as a skylight. It connects the interior of the cabin to the sky above, inviting contemplation of the changing weather and light.

Approach and Light Integration

Reaching the cabin involves walking along a wooden boardwalk that elevates visitors above the forest floor. This design choice is inspired by traditional Buddhist practices, creating a gentle transition between nature and the built space. Solar-powered LED lights along the path provide safety at night, offering a warm glow reminiscent of rice paper lanterns.

The moon door in the ceiling is a key detail, allowing natural light to wash over the interior and connecting guests to the sky. This design choice enhances the experience of being in a space that feels both connected to nature and conducive to meditation.

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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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