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A Zero-Carbon Urban Habitat for Future Pilgrims

Authors:
Jonas Kurtscheidt, Karsten Heuser
A Zero-Carbon Urban Habitat for Future Pilgrims
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Utilizing carbon concrete and Kerto wood, the design creates high towers that foster community resilience while integrating marketplaces and vertical farms for sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes carbon concrete for nearly column-free construction.
02
Incorporates Kerto wood sourced from sustainably managed forests.
03
Features a vertical farm integrated within the community framework.
04
Design promotes pedestrian connectivity through a network of paths.
05
Includes a fully automated energy management system for efficiency.

The Pilgrims' Hive is a concept that addresses the challenges of urban living projected for the coming decades. Set against the backdrop of increasing urbanization, the project aims to create a space that blends community needs with environmental considerations. The design reflects a vision where nature, interaction, and self-discovery coexist, shaping a new way of life for its inhabitants.

Conceptual Framework

The design draws inspiration from the idea of a pilgrimage, capturing the essence of personal and communal journeys. Spaces are thoughtfully arranged to promote social interaction, sharing of knowledge, and opportunities for spiritual growth. This leads to a mix of marketplaces, vertical farms, and educational areas, all working together to encourage residents to engage with their surroundings and with each other.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Central to the plan is the Zero Carbon Emission Tower, which embodies an approach to sustainability. It uses a combination of renewable energy sources, including geothermal, solar, wind, and biogas. These resources allow the tower to function with minimal environmental impact.

Material Use and Construction Techniques

The structure benefits from advanced materials such as carbon concrete and Kerto wood. Carbon concrete allows for an airy design with fewer columns, providing open and flexible spaces. Kerto wood, used from sustainably managed forests, adds to the building’s stability while adhering to ecological principles.

Spatial Organization and Aesthetic

The spatial design features tall towers that serve as focal points in the layout. The arrangement includes intertwined squares that merge into triangular shapes, creating varied spaces for different activities. This thoughtful organization not only supports community interaction but also invites exploration from residents and visitors alike.

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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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