Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Coastal Retreat Featuring Angular Design and Steel Framework

Authors:
Audra Gravrogk, Serena Liv Gravrogk Linde, Martin Atle Gravrogk Linde
Elevated Coastal Retreat Featuring Angular Design and Steel Framework

Project in-detail

An elevated structure on stilts, constructed with a steel framework and expansive glass facades, maximizes coastal views while providing a functional living space that integrates seamlessly with its maritime environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
An elevated design on three steel supports minimizes site disruption and enhances ocean views.
02
Extensive use of glass creates a seamless visual connection between interior spaces and the exterior landscape.
03
The combination of angular forms and an A-frame structure offers distinctive aesthetic and functional benefits.
04
Sustainable wood materials include cross-laminated panels, ensuring durability and environmental sensitivity.
05
The layout balances communal gathering areas with private zones, fostering both interaction and solitude.

The Beach Box project is a contemporary architectural design located on Pahlitt Beach in southern Sweden. This two-story beach house emphasizes a strong connection to its coastal environment while providing functional living space. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the structure uses an elevated form to minimize environmental impact and to optimize views of the ocean.

One of the defining aspects of the Beach Box is its elevated construction, supported by three angled steel legs. This raised platform not only allows for stunning visual access to the beach and horizon but also ensures protection against potential flooding. The use of an open floor plan promotes fluidity among interior spaces, enabling social interaction while maintaining separate areas for privacy.

Use of Materials and Design Language

The material palette of the Beach Box includes steel, glass, wood, and concrete. The structural framework is primarily composed of steel, providing both strength and flexibility in form. Large expanses of glass on the upper level create a visual transparency that connects the interior with the exterior, enhancing the experience of seaside living. Wooden surfaces, including flooring and outdoor decking, introduce a tactile warmth that balances the sleekness of glass and steel. Concrete is employed for the foundation, ensuring durability and stability.

Unique Design Elements

What differentiates the Beach Box from other beach houses is its angular geometry and thoughtful integration with the natural environment. The design utilizes the structure's height to create a viewing platform, transforming the house into an observation point for its occupants. The choice of materials allows for a modern aesthetic, while the design respects the coastal landscape, keeping the structure aligned with sustainable building practices.

Furthermore, the balance between communal and private spaces is a notable aspect of the design. The layout encourages interaction through shared areas, like the upper floor, while still providing intimate settings on the lower level for relaxation and solitude. This duality enhances the overall user experience, making it suitable for families or groups.

Exploration of Architectural Details

To fully understand the intricacies of the Beach Box project, one can explore architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. These documents provide insights into the spatial dynamics and structural considerations that inform the overall design philosophy. For those interested in contemporary architecture and coastal design, a closer examination of these elements can shed light on the innovative approaches used in this project.

Delve into the architectural presentation to appreciate the thoughtful integration of design and environment found in the Beach Box.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy