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Basalt Walls and Glass Facades Shaping Community Resilience

Author:
Izabela Olszewska
Basalt Walls and Glass Facades Shaping Community Resilience
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The robust basalt walls provide a striking contrast to the transparency of the glass facades, creating a resilient community space that harmonizes with the natural landscape while addressing environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt stone walls provide structural resilience and distinct texture.
02
A fully glazed curtain wall enhances natural light and visual connection with the landscape.
03
Rounded southern corners streamline wind flow around the building.
04
Custom-made glass bricks symbolize the blend of modern and traditional elements.
05
The design prioritizes integration with the surrounding environment to promote harmony.

The design integrates harmoniously with its natural environment while responding to both functional needs and aesthetic aspirations. Located in a region subject to strong winds, the structure has been crafted to serve as a protective space while also addressing environmental challenges. The concept focuses on the interaction between solid walls and transparent facades, creating a relationship between traditional and contemporary styles that reflects the local context.

Form and Function

The shape of the building is carefully designed to manage wind pressures. The northern side features a natural slope, while the rounded corners on the southern facade facilitate smooth airflow around the structure. This thoughtful design ensures that the building not only functions effectively but also enhances user experience within its communal space.

Materiality

Durability is a key element in this design, with thick walls constructed from basalt stone. These walls are cut into blocks and smoothed to provide both stability and a connection to the landscape. The choice of basalt reinforces the structure’s strength, while its texture contributes to the building's character, anchoring it within its setting.

Transparency and Light

The contrast between the solid walls and the main open area creates a unique visual experience. This space is enclosed by a fully glazed curtain wall made with vertical, custom-made glass bricks. Such a design allows for an abundance of natural light to fill the interior. The glass elements connect the inside with the outside, reflecting a blend of modern and traditional influences that enrich the architectural narrative.

Integration with Landscape

The overall design considers its surroundings, ensuring that the building does not dominate the landscape. Instead, it provides a clear visual statement while respecting the environment. This thoughtful integration results in a dynamic interplay of different textures and forms, celebrating the relationship between the structure and its natural context. The combination of materials and design outcomes invites a dialogue, leading to a sense of place that resonates with both inhabitants and visitors.

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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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