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Cave-Inspired Living with Paper Tube Structure and Community Engagement

Authors:
Denislav Sokolov, Ecenur Yesildag, Kadir Akar
Cave-Inspired Living with Paper Tube Structure and Community Engagement
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Inspired by cave forms and constructed from a lightweight paper tube structure, the residence embodies community involvement and eco-friendly living while offering a functional space for gathering and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by cave formations to encourage natural light flow.
02
Constructed with an innovative paper tube structure for sustainability.
03
Features community-built elements to enhance resident engagement.
04
Integrates a passive irrigation system with artificial watercourses.
05
Includes a central firepit to promote social gatherings.

The Spirala Community Home, located in Spirala Ecological Village, combines design with nature to support communal living. The central idea is inspired by fractal geometry, creating a strong connection between the building and the landscape. This residence aims to nurture relationships among its residents while promoting the principles of sustainability.

Design Concept

One of the main ideas of the project is called "Dissolution in Topography." The design seeks to minimize any disturbance to the land. It embeds the building in the earth, allowing it to blend naturally with its surroundings. This method respects the environment and aims to keep ecological impacts low.

Communal Gathering Spaces

The building's form serves as a central space for community interaction. With a focus on integrity, it features a firepit that invites residents to gather. This space encourages social connections and aligns with the community's values of shared experiences and togetherness. The arrangement of the rooms and outdoor areas promotes an atmosphere of openness.

Community Participation in Construction

A unique aspect of this residence is how community members are involved in its construction. Parts of the Spiral of Life Home are designed to be built by the residents themselves. This involvement creates a sense of ownership. It deepens their connection to the home and strengthens the bond among community members.

Sustainable Elements and Materials

The design includes practical features like wet spaces, which consist of restrooms and showers, and a passive irrigation system that uses artificial watercourses and rain gardens. The building is primarily made from a paper tube structure. This choice is both strong and environmentally friendly. Natural materials such as clay and straw are also used to enhance sustainability.

At the same time, the layout incorporates a half-open space, drawing inspiration from cave formations. This design element allows nature to flow into the living areas, bringing light and comfort to the home.

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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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