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Egg-Shaped Shelter Featuring Gyroscopic Stability and Insulated Panels for Volcanic Protection

Egg-Shaped Shelter Featuring Gyroscopic Stability and Insulated Panels for Volcanic Protection
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An egg-shaped structure employs gyroscopic stability and insulated panels to provide a mobile shelter designed for safety during volcanic eruptions.
5 key facts about this project
01
An egg shape enhances structural integrity against seismic forces.
02
Gyroscopic mechanism maintains balance during volcanic activity.
03
Insulated panels provide thermal efficiency in extreme conditions.
04
Modular design allows for rapid relocation via helicopter.
05
Inflatable airbags absorb impacts and enhance occupant safety.

### Overview
The RESCU.E.GG project is situated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an area notably affected by volcanic activity from Mount Merapi. The design centers on an egg-shaped shelter known as the "Rescue Egg," intended to provide a secure refuge during volcanic eruptions. This project focuses on both protection and mobility by integrating advanced engineering solutions with a form reflective of the surrounding landscape's dynamics.

### Structural Resilience
The egg shape is pivotal to the project, symbolizing protection while enhancing structural integrity against external forces. The design employs principles of resilience, utilizing the natural curvature of the egg to effectively distribute stress and maintain stability during seismic events. This approach addresses the urgent need for a rapid-response solution in geologically active zones, enabling the structure to be relocated via helicopter, thereby improving emergency responsiveness.

### Material Selection
Material choices are critical in ensuring occupant safety and comfort. Key components include:

- **Kingpan Insulated Panels**: Providing thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
- **Gyroscopic Mechanism**: Ensuring balance during ground movement due to natural events.
- **Airbag Structures**: Offering shock absorption for additional safety.
- **Elastic Egg Shell**: Designed for resilience against environmental extremes.

These materials collectively contribute to a lightweight and durable protective shell, optimizing quick deployment in emergency situations.

### Functional Layout
The internal design prioritizes space optimization and basic human needs. The microhome features two levels, accommodating designated areas for:

- **Sleeping Quarters**: Configured for both individual and communal use.
- **Pantry and Storage**: Facilitating resource management during crises.
- **Sanitation Facilities**: Promoting hygiene with essential wash areas.

The design fosters efficient circulation, enabling swift access to crucial functions within the shelter.

### Innovative Safety Features
A distinctive aspect of the design is the integration of a gyroscopic system that maintains equilibrium amid external disturbances. This mechanism, combined with airbag technology, enhances occupant safety by absorbing shocks and preserving structural integrity. The focus on resilience and mobility in the architectural approach facilitates air transport and rapid relocation during emergencies.

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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 €
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