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Dark Stone and Glass Openings in a Community Space Fostering Landscape Connection

Author:
Stephanie Fan
Dark Stone and Glass Openings in a Community Space Fostering Landscape Connection
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With a focus on dark stone and expansive glass openings, the design creates a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while serving as a multifunctional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dark stone exterior enhances thermal performance and integrates with the natural surroundings.
02
Expansive glass openings provide unobstructed views and abundant natural light throughout the building.
03
The third-floor balcony offers a prime vantage point for viewing the northern lights.
04
A south-facing sunroom design maximizes passive solar gain while protecting the interior from heat loss.
05
Wide landings within the circulation path encourage occupants to pause and engage with the landscape.

The design focuses on creating a strong connection between the building's interior spaces and the landscape outside. Located in a setting that offers unique views, the structure serves as a community space while emphasizing natural light and openness. Large glass openings on the southern walls allow occupants to enjoy unobstructed views, reinforcing the idea that the indoors and outdoors are intertwined.

Design Intent

Visitors experience a carefully planned flow as they move through the building. Upon entering, they find a staircase with balconies that invite exploration. The presence of wide landings helps to slow down movement, encouraging people to pause and appreciate the views of the landscape. This design choice creates a natural rhythm within the space, making it easier for occupants to connect with their surroundings.

Architectural Features

As people reach the third floor, they are faced with two options: to step into the sauna or to venture out onto an outdoor balcony. This balcony, facing north, offers an impressive spot for viewing the northern lights during the evening. This feature enhances the building's relationship with nature, providing not just a space for relaxation but also a place to enjoy natural phenomena.

Material Selection

The building uses local dark stone and concrete within a steel frame, forming an appearance that complements the environment. Its unheated and uncooled exterior shell reflects a commitment to sustainability. The south-facing area serves as a sunroom, inviting sunlight while helping to maintain comfortable temperatures inside. These choices demonstrate a practical response to local climate conditions, improving the building's overall performance.

Carefully planned elements come together to create an environment that promotes interaction with the landscape. The way views are framed, and the pacing of movement within the building encourages contemplation, making the experience of space intertwined with the natural world. Each detail contributes to a setting where occupants can engage with both the building and its surroundings.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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