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Curvilinear Facade Crafted from Natural Stone and Timber Cladding Overlooking Sydney Harbour

Curvilinear Facade Crafted from Natural Stone and Timber Cladding Overlooking Sydney Harbour
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The seamless integration of a curvilinear facade with natural stone and timber cladding creates a visually compelling residence that harmonizes with its Sydney Harbour surroundings, all while promoting sustainability through innovative design strategies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear facade design enhances natural light while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels improves structural performance and sustainability.
03
Green rooftops and vertical gardens promote biodiversity and ecological health.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and a unique aesthetic quality to the exterior.
05
Strategic placement of large glass panels offers unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour.

### Overview
Located in Sydney Harbour, the villa exemplifies contemporary design principles that prioritize ecological sensitivity and contextual integration. This residential project reuses the footprint of a previous dwelling, thereby underscoring the importance of preserving the historical fabric of the area while accommodating modern living requirements. The design aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, responding thoughtfully to the specific climatic and geographical conditions of the site.

### Spatial Strategy
The villa's three-tiered layout is meticulously organized to differentiate spaces for family living, social interaction, and private areas. The lower level, designed for everyday family activities, integrates with outdoor spaces to facilitate connection with the surrounding landscape. The mid-level serves as an entertaining area, while the upper level is dedicated to private rooms. This arrangement not only enhances communal engagement but also provides opportunities for privacy, promoting a balanced user experience. Furthermore, strategically placed windows and expansive glass panels optimize views of the harbour and enhance the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Material Selection
The materials chosen for the villa reflect a commitment to aesthetics, sustainability, and environmental context. Wood, used extensively in the facade and interior elements, introduces warmth and a natural quality to the design. Large glass surfaces enhance natural lighting and openness, while natural stone anchors the structure in its landscape. Additionally, steel and aluminum are employed for their strength and modern appeal, contributing to both the structural integrity and visual sophistication of the villa. Each material is selected not only for functionality but also for its ability to create a sense of continuity with the natural environment.

This design approach incorporates green terraces and living roofs, fostering biodiversity through the cultivation of native flora. Moreover, features such as natural ventilation optimize airflow and reduce reliance on artificial cooling. The adjacent landscape, designed with native species, supports local wildlife and contributes to a resilient ecosystem.

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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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