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Wellness Core Emphasizing Natural Light Within a Timber Retreat

Authors:
Olivia Wong, Justin Crook
Wellness Core Emphasizing Natural Light Within a Timber Retreat
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A central Wellness Core, abundant in natural light, enhances the sense of tranquility in this timber retreat designed as an intimate escape for two.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central Wellness Core facilitates relaxation with dual basins and expansive views.
02
The cabin's layout features distinct zones for privacy and social interaction.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable resource use.
04
Bi-fold shutters enhance natural ventilation and connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Utilizes locally sourced timber to reduce environmental impact and promote warmth.

Harmony House embodies a thoughtful approach to design, situated in a peaceful area near the Firth of Thames and Coromandel Ranges. The cabin serves as a retreat for two, focusing on relaxation and deepening the connection to nature. The overall concept revolves around the idea of harmony, which seeks balance between the human-made environment and the natural world.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of three different zones: the Resting Quarter and the Living Quarter. This division allows for clear separation of functions within the cabin. The Resting Quarter emphasizes wellness, featuring a central Wellness Core that includes a bathing area and dual basins. This core is designed to allow natural light to flood the space and provide views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the atmosphere of tranquility.

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability plays a key role in the cabin's design. The structure uses timber, which adds warmth and contributes to resource efficiency. Solar panels and systems for rainwater harvesting further show a commitment to reducing environmental impact. The arrangement of spaces makes the most of natural light and ventilation, allowing the cabin to function well within its environment.

Architectural Language

The design language is marked by simple forms, complemented by strategic placements of glass and a gently sloped roofline. These architectural choices provide shelter from the weather while promoting interaction with the outdoors. Features like bi-fold shutters enable easy airflow and create openings that frame beautiful views of the landscape, enhancing the experience of being in nature.

Experience and Discovery

The arrangement of spaces invites occupants to explore and engage with their surroundings. Concealed areas within the layout create a sense of curiosity, encouraging guests to wander and discover what lies beyond each corner. This thoughtful design allows for both quiet moments and lively interactions, enriching the overall experience. Each viewpoint inside Harmony House offers a distinct perspective, reflecting the careful balance between privacy and openness, underscoring the connection to the landscape outside.

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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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