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Corten Steel and Timber Structure Embracing Nature in a Spiraled Community Hub

Authors:
Alessandra Pederneschi, Davide Ripamonti, Elisabetta Valsecchi
Corten Steel and Timber Structure Embracing Nature in a Spiraled Community Hub
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A half-moon shaped entrance and central tree within a spiraled layout create a unique community hub constructed with locally sourced timber and corten steel, promoting sustainability and connection while serving as an event space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central tree enhances natural ventilation within the building.
02
Spiral design promotes fluid movement and social interaction.
03
Half-moon shaped entrance creates a welcoming gesture to visitors.
04
Materials include local timber and corten steel for resilience and sustainability.
05
Concentric paths connect various areas of the Spirala Ecological Village.

The design draws inspiration from the nautilus shell, utilizing a spiral form that represents life and growth. Located within the Spirala Ecological Village, the structure is arranged to curl around an internal square. At the heart of this square is a tree, which serves as a focal point in the event space. This thoughtful arrangement emphasizes a strong connection to nature while exploring themes of rebirth and community.

Design Concept

The layout promotes a sense of fluidity, creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor areas. Paths lead through different sections of the village, with narrower, concentric routes branching out from the center. This organization facilitates movement throughout the site and enhances visual interest, encouraging people to engage with both built and natural elements.

Community Interaction

A central aspect of the design is the importance of social connections. The open spaces allow for interaction among residents, promoting communal experiences. The flow of the structure moves outward from the center, symbolizing personal journeys within the community while building a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Environmental Integration

Natural ventilation strategies play a key role in the design, with open spaces that provide airflow and natural light. The central tree contributes to this system, helping to maintain thermal comfort and reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. This integration of natural elements creates a sustainable and welcoming indoor environment.

Materiality

Materials chosen for the project include local timber, eucalyptus wood, fir wood, and corten steel. Using local materials helps to decrease environmental impact and ensures a connection to the surrounding context. Corten steel, with its weathered appearance, complements the design's focus on resilience and sustainability.

The entrance features a half-moon shaped square that welcomes visitors and reflects the themes of transformation and community. This design detail fosters an inviting atmosphere while linking the space to a larger narrative of connection and shared experiences.

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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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