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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Centric Urban Environment

Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Centric Urban Environment
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and vertical gardens, this urban development enhances community engagement while prioritizing sustainability through innovative use of timber and green infrastructure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system integrated within the structure.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features vertical gardens designed to improve biodiversity and air quality.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and thermal performance.
05
Includes modular spaces that adapt to various community functions.

### Project Overview

Located in a historically rich urban area, the design seeks to integrate built environments with the surrounding natural ecosystem, emphasizing a cohesive approach to urban revitalization and environmental responsibility. The title “Laying on the City” reflects an intent to engage deeply with the existing urban fabric while promoting accessibility and connectivity within the community.

### Spatial Integration

The design prioritizes interconnectivity through spatial strategies that foster relationships between new structures and existing urban forms. Public spaces, green areas, and accessible amenities are central to this approach, enhancing user experience and encouraging community interaction. The layout is informed by principles of biomimicry, resulting in structural elements that evoke organic shapes, reinforcing a harmonious link between architecture and nature. Features such as vertical gardens and hanging planters contribute to air quality and aesthetic values by blurring the distinction between interior and exterior spaces.

### Material Palette and Sustainability

The material selection emphasizes both functionality and environmental sustainability. Key materials include sustainably sourced wood, which enhances warmth, and glass, designed to maximize natural light and transparency. Structural steel provides stability while supporting innovative geometries, and green roof systems expand biodiversity and improve local microclimates. The incorporation of recycled materials aligns the project with contemporary ecological practices, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. An advanced drainage and landscaping strategy addresses urban runoff and promotes water retention, further enhancing environmental resilience against climate change.

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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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