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Buoyant Residence Featuring Intricate Brickwork and Asymmetrical Roof Form Overlooking the Canal

Buoyant Residence Featuring Intricate Brickwork and Asymmetrical Roof Form Overlooking the Canal
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The unique floating structure, characterized by its intricate brick facade and asymmetrical roof that emulates canal waves, offers a sustainable living solution for a couple deeply connected to both navigation and gardening.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure designed to mitigate flood risks while enhancing waterfront accessibility.
02
Intricate brick patterns that filter natural light, mimicking the effects of water reflections.
03
Asymmetrical roof design inspired by the waveforms of the canal, enhancing solar control.
04
Adaptive interior layout allows for flexible reconfiguration to meet evolving residential needs.
05
Integrates ecological principles by promoting local aquatic ecosystems through its construction.

### Overview

Located on the Amsterdam Canal in the Netherlands, Yunseul serves as a floating residence designed for a couple—a navigator and a gardener. This architectural endeavor integrates the historic character of Amsterdam with contemporary living requirements, reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage. The design utilizes brick both as a primary material and as a thematic element, establishing a connection between the past and present while addressing the unique challenges of its aquatic site.

### Material and Structural Composition

The materiality of Yunseul plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and functional narratives. Brick is deployed extensively, resonating with Amsterdam's historical buildings and providing thermal mass and structural stability. Concrete is utilized for foundational and structural elements, ensuring durability to withstand the rigors of a floating residence. The incorporation of large glass windows enhances natural light penetration and views of the canal, promoting a strong relationship between interior and exterior environments. Wood features prominently in the interior design, fostering warmth and reflecting the gardener's connection to nature.

### Innovative Architectural Features

Yunseul's floating design is a defining aspect, offering a solution to flood risks while enhancing ecological engagement with the canal ecosystem. The façade showcases meticulously arranged brick patterns that filter light in a manner reminiscent of rippling water, aligning with the project's thematic underpinnings. An irregularly shaped roof mimics the waves of the canal, effectively providing shade while allowing light to penetrate interior spaces. The spatial organization reveals a well-considered arrangement, maximizing natural light and canal views, while preserving privacy through strategic window placement. Additionally, elements of adaptability within the living spaces enable reconfiguration in response to evolving resident needs, ensuring the project's longevity and relevance.

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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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