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Elevated Living with Sliding Walls and Sustainable Wood Panels

Authors:
Liam Smith, Måns Eriksson, Anton Byström
Elevated Living with Sliding Walls and Sustainable Wood Panels
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Elevated on stilts to prevent moisture issues, the structure integrates sliding walls and wooden panels, creating a flexible and sustainable living space that embraces natural light and the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure on stilts reduces moisture issues.
02
Large windows enhance natural light and outdoor connection.
03
Sliding walls create versatile living spaces.
04
Greenhouse modules allow for year-round food production.
05
Off-grid systems support sustainability with solar power and rainwater collection.

Norrsken embodies traditional Scandinavian design while standing firmly in its landscape. The structure promotes sustainability and self-sufficiency, focusing on efficient living. Inspired by the geometry of a "långhus," the design maximizes space and establishes a close relationship between the indoors and outdoors.

Sustainability

Off-grid solutions are central to Norrsken. Solar panels on the roof generate electricity, while rainwater is collected and recycled for different uses. This approach reduces the environmental impact of the building and fosters a lifestyle in harmony with nature. The design also includes greenhouse modules, which can provide significant food production throughout the year, reinforcing the connection with sustainable practices.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Norrsken is carefully planned to optimize natural light. Living areas face west, allowing sunlight to pour in during the afternoon. Entrances, bathrooms, and bedrooms are positioned towards the east, creating a functional flow while ensuring privacy. This thoughtful arrangement enhances light throughout the home and invites the natural surroundings into everyday life.

Materiality and Structure

Wooden panels form the exterior walls, while the interior features pinewood. These materials maintain a unified aesthetic that aligns with Scandinavian simplicity. Elevating the building on stilts addresses moisture concerns and makes it suitable for various rocky sites. This choice creates a visible connection to the landscape, grounding the design in its environment.

Design Features

Inside, sliding walls add flexibility, enabling spaces to change according to daily needs. The heating systems—geothermal energy and a wood-burning stove—ensure comfort while also becoming integral features of the home's character. Large windows further enhance the design by blurring the lines between the inside and the outside, inviting the surrounding landscape into daily experiences.

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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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