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Concrete Foundations Underwater: a Family Retreat on an Asteroid

Authors:
Zhuofan Ma, Yicong Shan
Concrete Foundations Underwater: a Family Retreat on an Asteroid
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An underwater conference room anchored by concrete and a family retreat located on an asteroid highlight a design that merges imaginative living with practical functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Family retreat located on an asteroid.
02
Underwater conference room anchored in concrete.
03
Virtual design allows unlimited customization of spaces.
04
Integration of urban living within a high-rise structure in New York City.
05
Personalized environment reflecting individual homeowner narratives.

The design explores innovative domestic environments through the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies. It allows homeowners to customize their living spaces to reflect their unique lifestyles. By challenging the traditional role of the architect, the concept encourages active participation in the design process. As a result, spaces are created that feel personal and meaningful to those who inhabit them.

Urban Setting

One aspect of the design features a virtual law firm located in New York City, integrated within a high-rise building. This urban context combines both residential and professional spaces. It creates opportunities for interactions with neighbors and contributes to a sense of community. The design promotes adaptability, allowing the homeowner to organize the space based on personal needs and daily routines.

Underwater Conference Room

Another element includes an underwater conference room, featuring a concrete base that anchors it to the seafloor. This distinctive setting reflects the homeowner's long-standing fascination with the ocean. The conference room serves a practical purpose for business meetings while offering an engaging backdrop. The aquatic environment enhances the work experience, merging personal interests with professional life.

Vacation Home on an Asteroid

The design also imagines a vacation home located on a large asteroid, bringing a sense of adventure and exploration. This unique setting provides a retreat for family gatherings while emphasizing personal connections. The spatial arrangement is designed to facilitate interactions, creating an atmosphere of togetherness amid an imaginative backdrop.

Such virtual environments illustrate how architecture can adapt to individual stories and everyday needs. Every detail invites a deeper relationship between the user and their space, making it a home that resonates uniquely with those who live there.

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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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