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Exploring Transparent Structures with Charred Shingles and Hollow Elements in Alpine Reflections

Exploring Transparent Structures with Charred Shingles and Hollow Elements in Alpine Reflections
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and hollow structures, the design integrates seamlessly with the alpine landscape, creating pavilions that facilitate reflection on life and memory.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hollow structures to create interactive spaces that engage visitors with their surroundings.
02
Each pavilion reflects a specific life stage, integrating thematic narratives into the design.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while creating a distinct aesthetic contrast.
04
Transparent materials allow natural light to permeate, fostering a connection with nature.
05
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability and visual harmony with the landscape.

### Overview

"The Spine" is a distinguished architectural project situated along the southern route of Mount Everest, consisting of five distinct pavilions that represent various phases of human life, culminating in reflections on mortality. The design seeks to explore the intricate relationship between human anatomy, memory, and the passage of time, employing innovative structural concepts and materials to create an environment conducive to introspection and contemplation.

### Pavilion Strategy

Each pavilion within the project is thoughtfully conceived, with specific themes that reflect the journey of life. The Base Camp Pavilion serves as the foundational encounter, utilizing a circular hollow structure to symbolize the convergence of time and space. In contrast, the Camp Two Pavilion features dual arches that engage with notions of human DNA and memory, employing flexible materials to establish an ethereal ambiance. The Camp Three Pavilion further accentuates this journey by depicting the internal landscape of the human body, utilizing transparent materials to enhance connections with the surrounding environment. As visitors progress to the Camp Four Pavilion, the design emphasizes resilience through a robust framework that reflects the human body's strength. Finally, the Summit Pavilion culminates the experience, providing an open space for contemplation while offering panoramic views of the majestic mountain landscape.

### Materiality and Environmental Context

A diverse range of materials is employed across the pavilions to reflect their unique thematic intents. Circular hollow structures symbolize the cyclicality of life, while transparent and semi-transparent elements facilitate light infiltration, promoting a sense of closeness to nature. Robust frameworks enhance structural integrity, ensuring resilience against the harsh alpine conditions. This carefully considered materiality complements the architectural narrative and fosters a multisensory experience, allowing visitors to engage with the reflective themes of each pavilion while also responding to the challenges posed by the landscape’s environment.

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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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