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Geothermal Home Featuring Recycled Concrete and Living Walls Along the Waterfront

Geothermal Home Featuring Recycled Concrete and Living Walls Along the Waterfront
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Incorporating living walls and geothermal systems, this residence utilizes recycled concrete and treated wood to create a sustainable living space that enhances community connection along the waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates hydroponic systems for resident food production.
02
Utilizes recycled concrete for both structural and aesthetic purposes.
03
Incorporates photovoltaic panels designed to float on adjacent water.
04
Features large triple-glazed windows for enhanced thermal performance.
05
Offers direct access to public waterfront park, promoting community interaction.

### Overview

Located along the southern shoreline of Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, Canada, the Seawall House addresses the challenges of urbanization by integrating private and public spaces while responding to local environmental concerns and housing affordability. Its positioning near public parks and waterfront areas emphasizes a connection to the community, promoting access to green spaces in a city where such amenities are often limited.

### Design and Sustainability

The architectural concept prioritizes sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative energy solutions. Key features include a geothermal ground-source heat pump system for efficient heating and cooling, floating photovoltaic panels for energy generation, and advanced water management systems such as desalination and rainwater harvesting. The design incorporates living walls and modular elements, enhancing resilience and encouraging biodiversity through interactive green spaces.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

Internally, the Seawall House is organized to accommodate flexibility, featuring a Fly & Lift system that allows for variable spatial configurations to suit different activities. Smart home technologies provide intuitive control for environmental conditions, enhancing comfort and accessibility. Strategic placement of triple-glazed windows and balconies maximizes natural light and views, fostering a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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