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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Creative Sanctuary in Urban Context

Author:
Supawich Somboonsub
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Creative Sanctuary in Urban Context
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Charred wooden shingles enveloped in cross-laminated timber create a versatile environment for artistic expression in an urban retreat designed to foster both solitude and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance while enhancing aesthetics.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural stability and reduce construction time.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and promotes natural light flow.
04
Dedicated areas for collaborative workshops foster community engagement among artists.
05
Integrated passive cooling techniques reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort.

### Project Overview
Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the Artist Retreat is designed to serve as a creative environment for artists, balancing solitude with opportunities for community interaction. The project aims to facilitate varied artistic practices by providing spaces for both personal reflection and collaborative engagement through its thoughtfully organized architectural framework.

### Spatial Organization and Movement
The layout prioritizes a clear spatial hierarchy, effectively segmenting the building into distinct functional zones, including residential areas, studios, and communal spaces. A central spiral staircase facilitates vertical circulation, promoting both physical movement and social interaction among users. This design encourages an organic flow through the space, enabling artists to engage with one another while moving between levels, thereby enhancing the potential for spontaneous collaboration.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The architectural composition features a blend of contemporary and traditional materials, establishing a connection to the local context. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, offering durability and flexibility in form, while timber accents add warmth and an inviting aesthetic. The incorporation of expansive glass elements enhances natural light and air circulation within the retreat, significantly reducing the reliance on artificial resources. This emphasis on sustainability underscores the design's commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with modern architectural practices that prioritize ecological integrity.

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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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