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Basalt Stone Structure Enhancing Local Ecology with Green-Glass Integration

Author:
Guido R. Strohecker
Basalt Stone Structure Enhancing Local Ecology with Green-Glass Integration
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A distinctive basalt stone structure utilizes green-glass elements to create a space that harmonizes with local ecology, serving as both a greenhouse and restaurant.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt stone walls enhance thermal mass and sustainability.
02
Green-glass windows optimize light while maintaining indoor climate control.
03
Integrated food production area promotes local agricultural ties.
04
Layout encourages seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.
05
Design reflects local ecological principles and material use.

The design integrates the built environment with the natural landscape, situated in an area that emphasizes the concept of Mother Earth. The setting functions as both a greenhouse and a restaurant, focusing on themes of nurturing, growth, and interdependence. Its layout encourages interaction with nature while fostering a communal atmosphere that supports sustainable practices.

Conceptual Framework
The underlying idea revolves around the metaphor of Mother Earth, highlighting resilience and interconnectedness. It considers how spaces can nurture not only people but also plants, showing a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment.

Functional Integration
Distinct functional areas are arranged to enhance visitor engagement. The greenhouse complements the restaurant, allowing for food production and providing guests with a chance to experience the cultivation process. This setup fosters an appreciation for sustainable food sources, changing the typical dining experience.

Materiality
Basalt stone serves as the primary material, providing a tactile connection to the earth. This choice provides structural support while bringing warmth to the space. The use of natural materials highlights a commitment to ecological integrity and emphasizes the beauty of the environment.

Spatial Organization
The layout promotes easy navigation, enabling visitors to move freely between different areas. The design carefully considers sightlines and movement, which helps to blur the lines between inside and outside spaces. This arrangement invites natural elements into the structure, creating a feeling of unity with the surrounding landscape.

Sunlight streams through large green-glass windows, illuminating the basalt walls and creating a dance of light and shadow that changes with the day. This dynamic interplay enhances the atmosphere within the space.

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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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