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Elevated Stilt Structures Featuring Laminated Timber and Expansive Glazing in a Serene Forest Setting

Elevated Stilt Structures Featuring Laminated Timber and Expansive Glazing in a Serene Forest Setting
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Constructed on elevated stilts, this glamping unit utilizes laminated timber and expansive glazing to seamlessly blend with the surrounding forest, offering guests a unique immersion in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on stilts to minimize environmental impact and promote drainage.
02
Incorporates extensive glazing for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes locally sourced laminated timber to enhance sustainability.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with a modular layout to allow for future adaptation and expansion.

**Overview**
The Serender project is situated in the İkizdere region of Rize Province, Turkey, within the İkizdere Longoz Forest National Park along the Black Sea coast. The initiative focuses on creating a unique glamping experience that blends luxury accommodation with a strong emphasis on ecological sustainability and harmony with the natural surroundings. The design is intended to foster a close relationship between guests and the landscape, providing an immersive lodging experience.

**Spatial Strategy and Environmental Integration**
The architectural approach prioritizes minimalism and integrative design, resulting in structures that minimize ecological impact while enhancing guest experiences. The buildings are arranged in a network of interconnected units, offering varied degrees of privacy and communal areas that encourage social interaction among guests. This layout supports exploration of both individual accommodations and shared spaces, promoting a sense of community.

Elevated on stilts, the sleeping units enable an unobstructed flow of the landscape beneath and address potential environmental challenges, such as flooding and soil erosion. Large windows provide expansive views of the forest and lake, further immersing occupants in the surrounding natural environment.

**Materiality and Design Considerations**
Material selection plays a crucial role in the project's ethos, with a focus on local sourcing and sustainability. Key materials include laminated timber and planks for structural elements, which offer warmth and texture, while expansive glass windows facilitate natural lighting and views that connect the interiors with the outdoors. Minimal use of local stone for foundations and pathways respects local geology, and durable metal elements, such as aluminum or steel, are incorporated for modern aesthetics.

The design reflects traditional Turkish architectural elements, seamlessly integrating contemporary techniques with local cultural identity. Each unit's modular design allows for future adaptability, ensuring responsiveness to visitor needs and environmental contexts while preserving the natural landscape.

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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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