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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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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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