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Elevated Solitude in Glass and White Walls for Artistic Retreat

Author:
Mohamed Emara
Elevated Solitude in Glass and White Walls for Artistic Retreat
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Elevated above the landscape, the first-floor residence combines limited openings and white walls with a ground-level home characterized by extensive glass, creating a reflective environment tailored for artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ground-level residence integrates with existing vegetation for natural harmony.
02
First-floor design prioritizes privacy with limited openings for controlled views.
03
Extensive glass enhances internal light and connection to the landscape.
04
White walls in the first-floor residence provide a neutral backdrop for creativity.
05
Dual residences support contrasting artistic experiences of solitude and engagement.

The design is located in the Latvian countryside and aims to create a living environment for artists. It serves as a temporary residence, providing space for creative work while connecting to the natural surroundings. The main idea is to support the relationship between the artist and their environment, showing how the design can influence creativity.

Dual Residences

Two residences make up the design, each offering a different experience for its users. The ground-level residence features an open layout that connects well with the landscape. Large glass windows create a feeling of openness and allow natural light to fill the space. This design encourages a strong connection between indoor activities and the outside world, inviting artists to engage with their environment easily.

Introverted Space

In contrast, the first-floor residence has a more private character. Elevated above the ground-level home, it includes fewer windows, controlling what residents can see. This choice emphasizes privacy and quiet reflection. The white walls create a calming atmosphere, enabling artists to focus on their creative work without distractions. This space encourages solitude, ideal for deep thinking and introspective practices.

User Experience

The two residences highlight different ways of living and working. While the ground-level home promotes interaction with nature and neighbors, the first-floor space allows for time alone. This mix of openness and privacy caters to varying artistic needs and preferences. By providing these two options, the design supports different styles of creativity.

Design Outcome

Materials play a role in achieving the design goals. The extensive glass in the ground-level residence enhances visibility and strengthens the connection to nature. On the other hand, the predominantly white walls of the first-floor residence create a neutral backdrop that fosters focus. Together, these elements illustrate how thoughtful design can influence and nurture an artist's work.

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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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