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Deconstructed Wooden Arch with Rainwater Harvesting Along the Lakeshore

Authors:
Anastasiia Vinidiktova, Olena Dobrovolska, Nikolay K, Marian Beresh
Deconstructed Wooden Arch with Rainwater Harvesting Along the Lakeshore
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With a deconstructed wooden arch and a practical rainwater harvesting system, the design reinterprets traditional forms to create a sustainable retreat for artists and their families along the lakeshore.
5 key facts about this project
01
Deconstructed wooden arch design enhances structural efficiency.
02
Sliding wooden shutters adapt to occupancy and climate needs.
03
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable living.
04
Walls made from recycled materials connect to local history.
05
Dual structure layout fosters community engagement among occupants.

Situated along a calm lakeshore in Latvia, the design offers a modern take on traditional wooden houses, intended as a retreat for artists and their families. The main focus is on sustainability and ensuring a connection with the natural surroundings. Through a thoughtful design approach, the space adapts to the evolving environment while honoring its historical roots.

Design Concept
-
The project embraces the idea that the lakeshore can support both change and new architectural styles. The design features a reimagined wooden roof arch, presenting a structure defined by clean, straightforward lines. This form adapts to the gently rolling terrain of the site, creating a relationship between the built forms and the landscape.

Spatial Arrangement
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The layout of the residence is divided into two parts, allowing for personal privacy while also creating communal areas for interaction. In the center, a shared meeting space serves as a gathering point, facilitating connections among guests while providing the comfort of private living areas. This careful planning meets the needs of artists looking for both solitude and community.

Sustainability Features
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A key element of the design is its emphasis on environmentally friendly features. Solar panels are placed on the roof to meet the building's energy needs, positioned to capture sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, there is a proposed system for collecting and filtering rainwater for household use. This shows a commitment to managing local resources carefully and sustainably.

Connection to Context
-
The design reflects the site’s history, with walls that rise from old rubble trench foundations. Reused wood from previous structures wraps around the new forms, providing a visual connection to the past. This approach not only celebrates local architectural history but also emphasizes the project's ecological character.

The overall design achieves a minimalist aesthetic that balances individual comfort with community interaction. Features such as sliding wooden shutters allow flexibility within the space, adapting to different needs throughout the day.

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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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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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