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Burned Cladding and Recycled Timber Create Harmonious Huts in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Laurine Hermouet
Burned Cladding and Recycled Timber Create Harmonious Huts in a Natural Landscape
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Blackened timber cladding and recycled wood define a collection of huts designed to facilitate meditation and foster community within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Huts are designed to mimic the organic shapes of water droplets.
02
Meditation spaces are integrated within the landscape for reflection.
03
Timber used is sourced locally to minimize environmental impact.
04
Each hut features unique curved table designs matching the exterior.
05
Blackened cladding improves durability while enhancing aesthetics.

"The Drops" is an architectural design set in a natural landscape, aiming to create a strong connection between users and their environment. The project focuses on blending living spaces with the surroundings in a way that feels organic and inviting. The structures take the shape of water droplets, promoting a sense of movement and interaction with the landscape.

Design Concept

The design centers on merging the built environment with nature. The structures mimic the fluidity of water, creating a visual harmony with the surroundings. This approach encourages users to engage thoughtfully with their environment, fostering a deeper awareness of the natural world and their place within it.

Functional Spaces

The project includes huts designed for both individual and communal use. There are two double-bed huts and two single-bed huts, allowing for different accommodation options. The interiors feature tables that reflect the flowing forms of the exterior, offering a consistent experience throughout. This thoughtful arrangement supports both private moments and shared experiences among users.

Community Engagement

A key feature is the communal area that houses a kitchen and dining space. This area is positioned to encourage social interaction, making it a central hub for residents. It is designed to accommodate various activities, such as local exhibitions and poetry readings, which help build connections among people. The focus on community is evident in how these spaces invite participation and foster a sense of belonging.

Materials and Aesthetics

Recycled local timber is used in the construction of the huts, supporting sustainability and local resources. The exterior cladding has been treated by burning, resulting in a distinct blackened finish. This not only contributes to the visual appeal but enhances the durability of the structures. The choice of materials aligns with the project's commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining a unique character.

As users walk along the paths surrounding the huts, they are drawn into a landscape that encourages reflection and connection. Each element works together to create a dialogue between the inhabitants and their environment. The design offers a space that is more than just a place to live; it becomes a setting for interaction and tranquility in nature.

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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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