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Laminated Canopy Overlooking a Central Courtyard with Water Features

Author:
Orestes Valella
Laminated Canopy Overlooking a Central Courtyard with Water Features
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An intricate grid of Douglas Fir beams forms a suspended canopy that shades a central courtyard adorned with water features and greenery, creating a naturally ventilated space designed for communal gathering and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A suspended canopy provides shade while allowing natural light to filter into the interior.
02
The central courtyard incorporates both water features and vegetation for climate control.
03
Rooms are designed for optimal cross-ventilation by facing the courtyard and exterior.
04
Douglas Fir laminated wood beams are prefabricated for efficient on-site assembly.
05
HEPA filtration in cellular wall units ensures high indoor air quality.

The project is set against the backdrop of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, aiming to create a calm environment that meets the needs of its users while blending harmoniously with the natural landscape. The design focuses on sustainability, comfort, and cultural heritage, incorporating traditional architectural features within a modern context.

Suspended Canopy

A key feature of the design is a suspended canopy that provides shade from the sun, reminiscent of the protective qualities of Bedouin tents. This canopy is made from a grid of Douglas Fir laminated wood beams, which are prefabricated into squares and assembled on-site. The structure allows natural light to filter into the interior, enhancing thermal comfort while maintaining an open atmosphere.

Central Courtyard

The central courtyard acts as a vital space in the design, reflecting significant aspects of traditional Arabic architecture. This area includes water fountains and greenery, which help cool and humidify the surrounding air. The courtyard not only encourages natural ventilation but also fosters social interactions among users. Rooms face both the courtyard and the outer areas, maximizing opportunities for cross-ventilation and strengthening connections to nature.

Sustainable Design Strategies

Sustainability is at the heart of the design, significantly reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Fresh air enters through the courtyard walls, where it is cooled by water and plants before circulating throughout the building. The cellular wall units are designed to ensure airflow while including HEPA filters to maintain indoor air quality. Mechanical fans assist in air movement at specific points, contributing to an effective natural ventilation system.

The combination of these design elements creates a cohesive space that emphasizes the interaction of light, air, and water. Attention to detail in both comfort and aesthetics shapes an environment that is both functional and inviting, enhancing the overall experience for everyone who inhabits it.

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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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