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Floatable Pavilion Emphasizing Woven Bamboo and Translucent Panels

Author:
Marie Herbst
Floatable Pavilion Emphasizing Woven Bamboo and Translucent Panels
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Crafted from timber triangles and supported by air-filled tanks, this pavilion offers a buoyant exhibition space enhanced by woven bamboo infill and translucent panels, creating an interactive environment that responds to climate change challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from equilateral timber triangles for structural integrity.
02
Utilizes air-filled tanks for buoyancy in response to rising water levels.
03
Incorporates woven bamboo infill for enhanced sustainability.
04
Features translucent panels that maximize natural light.
05
Promotes interactive engagement through hands-on scale models.

The Helix timber pavilion is a well-thought-out structure that responds to the pressing challenges of climate change, especially rising water levels. Located by an urban lake, it functions as an exhibition space, encouraging interaction and exploration through its unique design. The concept is inspired by the helix shape, which symbolizes DNA, combining practicality and visual appeal while connecting to the surrounding natural setting.

Materials and Structure
The design emphasizes wood's important quality of having a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for floating structures. The pavilion consists of equilateral timber triangles arranged in a helix formation. This setup allows for both modularity and versatility in its form and function. A notable feature is the buoyant deck, which relies on air-filled tanks positioned beneath the structure. This not only improves stability but also offers a practical solution to the issue of changing water levels.

Interactive Exhibition Space
Covering about 50 square meters, the exhibition area includes several scale models that illustrate how wood can be used in construction. Models such as Grid Shell A and Grid Shell B show the adaptability of timber through the use of layered laths connected with cylindrical joints. This design encourages visitors to engage with the material properties and the possibilities of wood in building.

Innovative Infill Panels
The pavilion showcases infill panels that demonstrate various applications of wood. Some of these panels are made with wood shingles, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. Others use woven bamboo set in resin, which creates a watertight seal. The addition of flat translucent polycarbonate sheeting allows natural light to enter, creating a brighter and more inviting interior space.

Interactive Learning
To enhance visitor engagement, the pavilion includes an interactive video screen that shows the construction process of the models on display. This feature provides insights into the advantages of using wood as a building material. It promotes understanding of sustainable design practices and invites active participation in the exhibition.

The design skillfully combines form and functionality, featuring intricate wooden joints and well-finished surfaces that create a tactile experience. Every detail invites visitors to explore and connect with the principles of sustainable construction.

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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 €
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