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Charred Wooden Shingles and Plywood Create Communal Lodging Along Mountain Trails

Authors:
Ludovico Lombardi, Lisa Kinnerud
Charred Wooden Shingles and Plywood Create Communal Lodging Along Mountain Trails
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and oiled plywood, the design creates a series of angular cabins that harmoniously blend with the mountainous landscape, providing a communal lodging experience for trekkers in a sustainable environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize space and airflow.
04
Strategically positions windows to frame panoramic mountain views.
05
Emphasizes communal spaces to foster social interaction among guests.

### Overview
Amber Road Trekking Cabins, named "Stellar," is an architectural endeavor that integrates contemporary design within a natural setting, specifically targeted towards providing unique accommodations for trekkers. The cabins are designed to complement the surrounding mountainous terrain, enhancing the guest experience by fostering a connection with the environment while offering modern lodging amenities.

### Spatial Strategy
The design utilizes triangular forms inspired by natural mountain peaks, reflected in the distinct rooflines of the cabins. This angular architecture not only creates a visual alignment with the landscape but also serves practical functions, such as optimizing water runoff and promoting natural ventilation. Interior layouts are crafted to balance private sleeping quarters with communal areas, including dining and lounge spaces designed to facilitate social interaction among guests. Strategic placement of windows and openings ensures that each unit maximizes exterior views, merging interior living with the natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette is consciously selected to enhance aesthetic appeal while emphasizing durability and eco-friendliness. Inner walls are finished with oiled plywood, contrasting with charred wood for the exterior, providing both visual interest and resilience against the elements. Timber flooring contributes warmth to the internal environment. Roof structures feature triple glazing combined with darkened wood frames to optimize natural light and thermal efficiency, while sustainable practices are incorporated through efficient insulation and ventilation systems. This design minimizes energy consumption, aligning the project with contemporary eco-friendly building standards. The extensive use of glass facilitates a strong connection to the outdoors, enhancing the immersive experience of nature while incorporating passive solar heating techniques for climate comfort.

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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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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
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