Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Green Roofs and Semi-Underground Design in a Community-Integrated Sauna

Authors:
Jingyi Zhan, Xvefen Hu, Hang Yin
Green Roofs and Semi-Underground Design in a Community-Integrated Sauna
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The semi-underground structure, topped with green roofs and designed around a culturally significant sauna, integrates seamlessly into its Latvian landscape while providing a unique residential experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a semi-underground layout to enhance energy efficiency.
02
Green roofs support local biodiversity and blend the building with its natural surroundings.
03
Culturally significant sauna features encourage traditional practices, enhancing local lifestyle.
04
Functional zoning is informed by prevailing wind patterns, optimizing outdoor usability.
05
Dual entrances on different levels improve accessibility and flow throughout the residence.

The architectural design titled “Disappeared Buildings” is located in Latvia and aims to create living spaces that closely interact with the surrounding landscape. The project is built around the concept of "hidden limitation," which means that the design integrates with nature rather than overpowering it. By focusing on sustainability, the architecture strives to preserve the environment while offering comfortable and functional spaces for residents.

Site Challenges and Analysis

The site covers an area of 23,560 m², but the available building footprint is only about 100 m². This challenge creates opportunities to incorporate thoughtful landscape design while ensuring that most of the site remains natural. The local weather conditions are also important, particularly the wind direction, which affects how outdoor spaces, such as those for barbecues, are arranged. By taking these factors into account, the design promotes enjoyable outdoor experiences throughout the year.

Architectural Style and Functionality

The building features a narrow base that runs east to west, which adds complexity to the planning of roads and surrounding landscape. Two entrances at different levels improve access and encourage movement through the space. A mix of horizontal and vertical designs creates distinct functional areas while maintaining overall connectivity. Local traditions influence the architecture, evident in the design of a sauna that promotes traditional customs, such as jumping into water, enhancing the connections to local culture.

Landscape Integration and Sustainable Practices

The project employs a semi-underground construction approach. This method not only improves energy efficiency but also helps the building blend into its natural surroundings. Green roofs are part of the design, supporting local plant life while helping to regulate temperature. The layout is carefully aligned with the adjacent riverbank, establishing a direct relationship between the structure and the landscape.

Invisible boundaries throughout the site allow for fluid transitions between various areas. This design choice ensures privacy while also fostering community interactions. Thoughtful planning emphasizes a deep respect for nature and creates spaces that encourage residents to engage with their environment, resulting in a blend of functionality and comfort.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy