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Bamboo Walkway Connecting Rammed Earth Spaces in a Tranquil Zen Environment

Authors:
Jessica Thomson, Lauren Copping, Grace Losasso
Bamboo Walkway Connecting Rammed Earth Spaces in a Tranquil Zen Environment
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A bamboo walkway guides users through spaces defined by rammed earth and permeable greenery, culminating in a tranquil zen garden designed for yoga practice and communal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bamboo walkway spans the site, enhancing the connection with nature.
02
Rammed earth walls provide structural support while integrating functional spaces.
03
Vegetation openings allow plants to merge with the walkway, enriching the experience.
04
An elevated yoga studio offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The zen garden features a communal seating area and fire pit for gatherings.

"From Ground to Air" is a space designed to create a meaningful connection between people and nature. Located in a setting that encourages calmness and reflection, the project functions primarily as a pathway for yoga practitioners. The central idea is to guide occupants through various experiences, leading them from a grounded beginning to a sense of elevation and calm.

Site Integration

The journey starts with a bamboo walkway that serves as the main route across the site. This walkway meets a rammed earth wall, which provides a strong and solid presence. The wall mirrors the colors and textures of the local landscape, allowing it to blend in while still standing out. Functional areas for rest, changing, and washing are carved into the wall, highlighting practicality within the design.

Spatial Progression

As users move along the walkway, they navigate through spaces that transition from open to enclosed. The western side of the path is open to the elements, inviting fresh air and light, while the eastern side offers a more sheltered experience. Lush foliage lines the walkway, and openings in the structure allow plants to spill onto the path, enhancing the connection to the landscape and creating a richer atmosphere.

Verticality and Light

An important element of the design is the yoga studio, positioned above the walkway. Large windows provide a flow of natural light, and they frame views of the nearby zen garden. A clerestory window further illuminates the space, ensuring it feels open and bright. The presence of exposed timber beams adds structural support, while creating a visual frame that draws attention to the surrounding environment.

Community Space

When participants leave the yoga studio via a rammed earth staircase, they find themselves in the zen garden. This space offers a serene setting for reflection and community. With seating around a fire pit, individuals can gather and share experiences while enjoying the natural backdrop. The garden serves as the concluding part of the journey, emphasizing the shift from the focused practice of yoga to a tranquil outdoor space that encourages relaxation and connection.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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