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Circular Retreat with Straw Cladding and Natural Surroundings

Author:
Ana Rita Rodrigues Gomes
Circular Retreat with Straw Cladding and Natural Surroundings
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With circular forms wrapped in straw cladding, the design creates a tranquil space for meditation and reflection that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique circular design promotes a sense of serenity and focus.
02
Exterior wrapped in straw allows for natural aging and integration with the environment.
03
Interior layout prioritizes meditation and relaxation, enhancing user experience.
04
Large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, connecting indoors and outdoors.
05
Geometric forms create defined functional spaces while encouraging movement and interaction.

The design features a wooden structure situated gently within its environment, highlighting a combination of simplicity and reflection. It showcases pure geometric forms—a central square surrounded by four circles—that create a harmonious connection with the landscape. The focus on seclusion enhances the overall purpose, inviting individuals to explore mindfulness and self-awareness within an engaging setting.

Geometric Integration

The arrangement skillfully coordinates the square and circular elements, establishing a clear yet inviting spatial hierarchy. The circles efficiently adapt to the square, defining usable exterior spaces while maintaining an open flow. This thoughtful configuration encourages movement and interaction, fostering a strong link to the natural surroundings.

Material Selection

A defining characteristic of the design is the exterior finished with straw. This choice aligns the structure with the local landscape, allowing it to blend visually. The straw not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also reflects a commitment to sustainability, enabling the building to age naturally over time.

Interior Functional Spaces

Inside, the circular area promotes a peaceful atmosphere, allowing for meditation and relaxation. Users can connect with the outside through ambient sounds and views of trees and open space. While the design maintains simplicity, it thoughtfully includes essential amenities to accommodate various activities, from personal reflection to small gatherings.

Connectedness to Nature

Design details further enhance the relationship between the structure and its setting. Large openings provide scenic views, inviting sunlight and fresh air inside. The layout encourages users to engage fully with the environment. This thoughtful interaction creates a backdrop for quiet contemplation, enriching the overall experience of the space.

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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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