Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Air Purification and Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Urban Hub

Authors:
Sophie Imo, Urbi Mazhar
Air Purification and Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Urban Hub
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing laminated timber and an advanced air purification system, the design creates a multifunctional urban hub in Dhaka that effectively addresses pollution while accommodating the needs of a growing work-from-home population.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an air purification system that processes polluted air before redistribution inside the building.
02
Features laminated timber as a primary structural material for sustainability and aesthetic warmth.
03
Incorporates solar energy generation systems to lessen dependence on fossil fuels.
04
Designed to maximize natural ventilation using principles of fluid dynamics for improved airflow.
05
Includes mixed-use retail spaces on lower levels to foster community interaction and economic activity.

The architectural design situated in Dhaka addresses the critical environmental challenges existing in one of the world’s most polluted cities. Located atop the Uttara Central Train Station, the skyscraper serves as a multifunctional hub for the growing number of work-from-home outsourced online laborers. The overall design concept aims to integrate with urban infrastructure while providing an adaptive environment that meets the needs of its users.

Design Concept and Layout
The design features an open-plan layout that maximizes natural light and flexibility in how spaces are used. Public areas for reading and study are positioned on the lower levels, encouraging community interaction. Private offices are arranged on the upper levels to support focused work. This thoughtful zoning allows for a balance between collaborative and individual working environments.

Air Quality Management
A significant aspect of the design focuses on managing air quality. Polluted air from the southern side is directed into specific air vessels where it undergoes a purification process before being circulated within the building. This air purification system enhances sustainability and improves the overall indoor environment for everyone inside.

Environmental Considerations
The architectural response considers Dhaka's climate, especially the high levels of sunlight available in winter. It also acknowledges the challenges of cloud cover and rain during the summer months. By maximizing its potential for solar energy, the design seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address climate change impacts effectively.

Natural Ventilation and Materiality
The building employs principles from Bernoulli’s and Venturi’s theories to optimize natural ventilation. By designing the facade to promote airflow, the architects create a functional yet appealing exterior. Laminated timber is a key material, lending a warm visual quality while also supporting sustainability goals. This choice makes the structure stand out and further ties into its environmental intentions.

The combination of thoughtful massing and material choices gives the building a distinct character. Retail spaces on the lower levels play a critical role in engaging the community, bringing together workspaces and lively commercial activities. This setup encourages interaction and enhances the vibrancy of the urban fabric around it.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy