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 Public Green Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Fiber Insulation

Authors:
Sara Di Valerio, Giacomo Fontanive, Gregorio Gottardo
Elevated Public Green Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Fiber Insulation
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
An elevated street in the sky integrates public green spaces with cross-laminated timber construction and natural fiber insulation to create a cohesive mixed-use development that prioritizes community engagement and accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Revamped existing building with a façade removal to enhance functionality.
02
Incorporates an urban greenhouse to promote biodiversity within the community.
03
Features cross-laminated timber for sustainable structural support.
04
Includes accessible apartments to cater to diverse living needs.
05
Designed with an elevated street in the sky for improved pedestrian access.

The design focuses on urban development within a lively city landscape, aiming to bring together various functions such as living, working, and socializing. Set within a densely populated area, the project emphasizes the importance of community while considering the need for sustainability. By reworking an existing building, it fosters a connection between modern architectural needs and the historical context of the site.

Urban Integration

Significant changes to the existing building begin with a planned façade removal. This allows for a refresh of the structure's appearance, optimizing both visual appeal and functionality. The introduction of a “street in the sky” concept permits pedestrian circulation above ground level, creating a new layer of accessibility. This elevated space functions as a connector, enhancing interactions between different areas of the development.

Sustainability and Green Spaces

A core feature of the design is the integration of an urban greenhouse. This design element promotes sustainability by introducing green spaces into the city environment. The greenhouse serves not only as a plant habitat but also as a place for residents to gather and connect with nature. This feature encourages both environmental awareness and a sense of community, allowing residents to appreciate the natural world in an urban setting.

Community-Centric Design

The project actively enhances social dynamics by incorporating a variety of amenities such as cafés and gardens. These public spaces help facilitate interaction among residents, creating opportunities for shared experiences. By prioritizing communal areas, the design addresses the sometimes isolating nature of urban living, aiming to cultivate stronger relationships within the community.

Diverse Living Solutions

With a focus on accommodating various household needs, the design includes residential units intended for individuals and families of different sizes. This range accommodates one to five occupants, reflecting modern living arrangements. Furthermore, the inclusion of accessible apartments ensures that everyone can find suitable living conditions, reinforcing the project's commitment to inclusivity.

The architectural details include natural fiber insulation, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. High-performance windows optimize light and temperature control within the spaces. The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for structural components highlights an ecological approach to construction. Sound management also plays a role, as floating floors and walls with acoustic insulation help maintain a quiet environment, allowing residents to enjoy their living spaces.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026

Media, partners and clients

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