Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable, Elevated Accommodations in Natural Landscape

Authors:
Bruce Katsipidis, Elaheh Mohamed, Michael Trudgeon, Kecen Gou
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable, Elevated Accommodations in Natural Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated on stilts and constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates harmoniously with its natural surroundings to provide adaptable accommodations in the Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes land disturbance and enhances drainage.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer superior thermal insulation and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and fire resistance.
04
Adjustable operable shutters enable personalized ventilation and light control.
05
Integrated solar harvesting systems promote energy self-sufficiency.

The "Pod V" project is an architectural design initiative located in the Vale de Moses region, conceptualized as a modular accommodation solution that harmonizes with the natural landscape. This project emphasizes adaptable living spaces, innovative material usage, and sustainable design practices. The design serves as an exploration of how human habitation can coexist with ecological integrity.

The primary function of the Pod V is to provide flexible living accommodations that cater to various user needs while minimizing the environmental impact. The structure consists of prefabricated units that can be easily transported and installed on diverse terrains.

Innovative Structural Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of the Pod V project is the implementation of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary building material. This choice promotes sustainability by utilizing renewable resources and offers significant advantages in terms of thermal insulation and structural efficiency. The use of CLT also allows for reduced construction waste, as panels are manufactured off-site and assembled on location.

The design incorporates galvanized steel framing to ensure structural integrity, particularly in areas subject to climatic stressors. Additionally, the elevated platform design minimizes land disturbance and supports effective water drainage, preserving the ecological balance of the site.

Adaptability and Functionality

The accommodation units are designed with functionality at the forefront. Each unit includes essential living areas, such as a bedroom, bathroom, and a versatile living space that can adapt to different uses. Large glazed openings provide ample natural light and enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity, allowing residents to engage with the surrounding landscape.

Another innovative aspect is the integration of adjustable exterior elements, such as operable shutters and sliding windows. These features provide occupants with the ability to control natural ventilation and light levels, translating to improved comfort and energy efficiency.

Sustainable Practices and Design Integration

The project prioritizes ecological sustainability through the use of recycled local timber for finishes and the installation of composite roofing panels designed to harvest solar energy. These elements enable the units to operate with minimal reliance on external energy sources, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The design aesthetic reflects an emphasis on natural materials and colors, ensuring that the structures blend seamlessly with the hillside context. This approach not only maintains visual harmony with the landscape but also reduces the building's overall ecological footprint.

The Pod V project represents a thoughtful intersection of architecture and nature, demonstrating how design can facilitate sustainable living practices. For a more comprehensive look into the architectural plans, sections, and various design elements, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further to gain deeper insights into this innovative architectural endeavor.

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