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Integrating Natural Wood and Brick Walls Within a Coastal Landscape

Author:
Katja Teinilä
Integrating Natural Wood and Brick Walls Within a Coastal Landscape
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Set against a rugged coastal backdrop, Villa Solstice harmonizes natural wood and brick to create a well-oriented residence that maximizes daylight and connects intimately with its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inner courtyard enhances privacy and connection to nature.
02
Bay windows create inviting reading nooks in living spaces.
03
Skylights provide natural light to interior areas without windows.
04
L-shaped layout optimizes views of the sea and surrounding forest.
05
Natural wood cladding integrates seamlessly with coastal environment.

Villa Solstice is a residential structure located in Naantali, Finland. It sits within an area known for its rugged terrain and coastal features. The design focuses on blending with the natural landscape while enhancing the living experience. A central idea is to maximize the use of daylight, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for its occupants.

Architecture Concept

The design features an L-shaped structure that helps create a close connection between the inside and outside spaces. This configuration produces a sheltered courtyard that opens to the surrounding vegetation, providing a sense of peace. A terrace faces the sea, allowing for sweeping views and encouraging interaction with the natural surroundings.

Natural Light Utilization

Maximizing natural light is a key element of the design. The positioning of windows is deliberate, ensuring that sunlight reaches various parts of the home throughout the day. Living areas are positioned to capture sunlight from different directions. The east-facing bedroom benefits from soft morning light, providing a gentle way to start each day.

Window Design and Materiality

The windows in Villa Solstice serve important roles in the overall design. They are sized and placed to meet the needs of each room. Large windows in common areas help blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. In bedrooms and the home office, bay windows create comfortable spots for reading or working. The use of natural wood for the exterior cladding helps the house connect with its surroundings while also providing shade and privacy.

Interior Atmosphere and Details

Inside, the use of brick walls adds warmth, and wooden flooring contributes to a welcoming feel. A white-painted ceiling allows light to bounce around, brightening the entire space. Careful attention to detail enhances the livability of the home, ensuring that the design is both functional and appealing.

A canopy over the terrace helps to provide shade, making it a pleasant place to relax. This thoughtful design detail invites residents to enjoy the outdoors while keeping comfort in mind.

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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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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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