Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Bio-Luminescent Experience Within Circular Forms at Coastal Villa

Authors:
Jody Lin, Zoya Chaudary
Bio-Luminescent Experience Within Circular Forms at Coastal Villa
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Emphasizing bio-luminescence and fluid circular forms, the villa merges seamlessly with its coastal environment to create a unique residence that fosters a profound connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bio-luminescent algae illuminate the villa at night, enhancing the natural atmosphere.
02
Circular architectural forms reflect the shape of coastal algae, connecting structure to nature.
03
Skylights and brise soleils maximize daylight while minimizing artificial light usage.
04
Strategic placement of living areas allows for uninterrupted views of glowing waters.
05
The design emphasizes sustainability by reducing light pollution and promoting ecological awareness.

The Luciferin Villa is located on a secluded beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico. It addresses the growing issue of light pollution by allowing for clear views of the night sky. The design promotes an atmosphere that encourages stargazing and observing celestial bodies. Natural elements play a crucial role in the villa’s concept, which connects the structure to its coastal surroundings.

Design Developed from Nature

The design is inspired by the bio-luminescent algae found in the waters off Vieques. These algae emit light when oxygen is introduced through water movement. This natural process influenced the villa’s shape and overall structure. The fluid lines reflect the organic forms of the algae, creating a connection to the natural landscape and enhancing the visual appeal of the building.

Utilizing Natural Light

The villa is oriented to make the most of daylight. Large skylights and brise soleils formed by overlapping circular shapes allow sunlight to fill the interior spaces. This design reduces reliance on artificial lighting, providing a bright and welcoming environment. The layout encourages a strong connection between the indoor areas and the outdoor landscape.

Engaging with the Coastal Environment

Positioned along the coast, the villa takes advantage of the unique bio-luminescence at night. Key living areas are strategically placed to offer views of the glowing waters. This invites residents to appreciate the natural beauty just outside. The design fosters a profound appreciation for the surrounding ecosystem and enhances the living experience.

Committing to Sustainability

The approach reflects a dedication to sustainable practices. By minimizing light pollution and optimizing energy use, the villa serves as a practical example of how to incorporate ecological considerations in home design. The design’s organic forms and thoughtful layout create a dialogue between the structure and its environment, highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern living.

Circular forms extend outward from the center, echoing the movement of algae in the water. This visual element strengthens the connection between the villa and its natural setting, creating a unique residential experience.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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 Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

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
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

new
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
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
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
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

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