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Fractal Design Featuring Photovoltaic Collectors and Ceramic Facade in Sustainable Community Living

Fractal Design Featuring Photovoltaic Collectors and Ceramic Facade in Sustainable Community Living
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Utilizing a fractal form and integrating photovoltaic collectors within a ceramic facade, this residential space is designed to foster community interaction while promoting sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a fractal architectural form to enhance natural light and airflow.
02
Incorporates ceramic tiles for the facade, providing durability and a unique aesthetic.
03
Features energy bulbs on the roof to optimize solar energy capture.
04
Designed around three distinct gardens that support biodiversity and community interaction.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for efficient water management.

### Overview
The Fractal Splinter project, designed for an architectural competition focusing on future living spaces, articulates a unique residential approach that integrates sustainability with local cultural practices and modern architectural methodologies. Located in a context where natural ecosystems interact closely with urban settings, the design aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between habitation and nature, guiding the evolution of architectural practices to confront contemporary and future challenges.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The spatial configuration consists of interconnected living areas organized around three distinct gardens: the Home Garden, Social Garden, and Wild Garden. The Home Garden serves as a private retreat, facilitating personal engagement with nature through opportunities for cultivation. The Social Garden functions as a communal space, promoting social interaction and fostering community ties. Lastly, the Wild Garden supports local biodiversity, enhancing the ecological framework of the surrounding landscape.

Internally, a central green corridor lined with living and communal spaces maximizes natural light and integrates vegetation, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. This design choice enhances user experience by creating an ambient atmosphere that encourages both private reflection and community engagement.

### Materiality and Environmental Features
The architectural form features a distinct splintered design that emphasizes ventilation, light penetration, and visual interest. The materials employed include ceramic, used for facades to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal; annealed bronze, which adds structural integrity while contributing to the building's distinctive character; and photovoltaic collectors integrated into energy-efficient structures on the roof to support the project’s energy self-sufficiency.

Environmental sustainability is a critical element of this design. Strategies implemented involve energy-efficient thermal collectors that minimize heating demands, passive climate control techniques that encourage natural ventilation, and water management systems that incorporate rainwater harvesting and permeable surfaces. These features reflect a commitment to ecological stewardship while enhancing the living environment.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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