Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Concrete and Glass Retreat Embracing Privacy in the Umbrian Landscape

Author:
Kaspar Lätt
Concrete and Glass Retreat Embracing Privacy in the Umbrian Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with concrete and designed for privacy, the retreat harmonizes with the Umbrian landscape while creating adaptable communal and personal spaces for relaxation and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily of concrete to integrate with the landscape.
02
Features a closed courtyard that enhances privacy and tranquility.
03
Includes large window walls that frame views of the surrounding mountains.
04
Offers adaptable communal spaces alongside individual retreats.
05
Designed to respond to seasonal sunlight and temperature variations.

The project in the Umbrian Valley embodies an exploration of privacy and community through its thoughtful layout and connection to the landscape. Known as Panorama Montagna, it artfully balances shared spaces with opportunities for individual reflection. Surrounded by mountains and accessed via a single road, the site presents both challenges and opportunities. The design seeks to address the visibility from the road while celebrating the natural beauty of the region.

Site Engagement
The architecture carefully responds to the unique characteristics of its surroundings, enhancing the experience of those who inhabit it. The distance from the nearest structure, over 100 meters, allows for thoughtful placement and orientation. Large windows are strategically positioned to capture light and views, inviting the scenic landscape into daily life. The overall plan encourages movement between the interior and the exterior, emphasizing a connection with nature.

Spatial Arrangement
The floor plan features an open design with flexibility in how spaces can be used. Living areas are designed to accommodate both group gatherings and individual moments of quiet. The configuration promotes a sense of community while allowing for privacy through deliberate separation of spaces. An inviting entrance acts as a bridge, drawing people into the heart of the design while minimizing barriers to the outdoors.

Balancing Private and Public
A closed courtyard serves as a refuge, providing a peaceful area that contrasts with larger communal spaces. This thoughtful inclusion creates varied zones that cater to different needs, fulfilling both social and personal requirements. The design reflects a clear understanding of how users might engage with different environments throughout their day.

Material and Climate Awareness
The choice of concrete as a primary material aligns with the area’s character, ensuring structural strength and visual consistency. This choice supports the building's connection to the landscape and frames its interactions with the surrounding environment. Consideration of the regional climate is evident, as the design considers temperature variations and sunlight patterns, allowing for comfort in all seasons.

A noteworthy feature is the open fireplace, which links the interior and exterior spaces. It provides warmth and serves as a focal point for both the living area and the outdoor setting, deepening the connection between the two environments.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
THE NEXT HOUSE: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 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
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
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 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
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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
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

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