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Corten Steel Retreat with Solar Tunnel Design and Laminated Wood Structure

Author:
Andrea Bagnoli
Corten Steel Retreat with Solar Tunnel Design and Laminated Wood Structure
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A corten steel exterior envelops a solar tunnel design that channels natural light, complemented by a laminated wood structure, creating a sustainable retreat focused on wellness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar tunnel architecture optimizes natural light throughout the interior.
02
Protruding front porch provides shade, reducing heat gain.
03
Corten steel exterior develops a unique patina over time.
04
Xlam wood panels enhance structural stability while improving insulation.
05
Recycled polyester fiber insulation aligns with sustainability goals.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is located in Vale de Moses, designed to function as a retreat that connects its occupants with the environment. The structure reflects a commitment to sustainable design, focusing on energy efficiency while also facilitating a strong relationship with the landscape. The overall concept emphasizes the use of natural light and minimizes the building's ecological footprint, creating an environment that promotes well-being.

Solar Design

The building is designed as a solar tunnel, allowing sunlight to penetrate into interior spaces, enhancing brightness and reducing the need for artificial light. This approach helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere while ensuring that energy consumption is kept low.



Thermal Comfort

To address heat during the warm months, the architecture incorporates a protruding front porch. This feature provides necessary shade and keeps the interior cooler. Large windows on the south side, fitted with double glazing, enhance energy efficiency and offer views of the outdoors, blending comfort with the surrounding scenery.



Materials and Construction

Construction methods emphasize prefabrication and on-site assembly. The main framework consists of a laminated wood structure supported by concrete pillars. Bracing is provided by xlam wood panels, which contribute to the building's stability. Insulation is achieved using 20 cm of polyester fiber made from recycled materials, aligning the project with sustainability goals while improving thermal performance.



Aesthetic Integration

The outer walls are made of corten steel that will develop a unique rust-like patina over time. This feature helps the building blend into its surroundings naturally. The choice of materials strengthens the visual connection between the structure and the landscape, creating a sense of continuity as the seasons 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.

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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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