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Layered Façade of Glass and Timber Envelops a Community-Centric Artist Retreat

Authors:
Simona Pieri, Francesco De Sanctis
Layered Façade of Glass and Timber Envelops a Community-Centric Artist Retreat
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A layered façade of transparent glass and textured timber panels defines a communal space designed to nurture creativity and collaboration among artists in the heart of Bangkok.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered façade combines transparent glass and textured timber for aesthetic and functional integration.
02
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various artistic practices and community events.
03
Incorporation of green terraces enhances biodiversity and promotes well-being within the urban setting.
04
Sustainable materials include cross-laminated timber and charred wood for durability and eco-friendliness.
05
Strategic lighting design utilizes natural light to create an inspiring atmosphere throughout the facility.

# Bangkok Artist Retreat

## Overview
The Bangkok Artist Retreat is located in the vibrant urban center of Bangkok, Thailand, designed as a cultural hub for artistic expression and community engagement. The building aims to provide a functional space that facilitates interaction among artists and local communities, offering a setting for collaboration, exhibitions, and various artistic endeavors. The architectural concept is inspired by the characteristics of paper, reflecting qualities of lightness and fluidity that encourage creativity and dialogue.

## Spatial Strategy
The building is methodically organized into three primary zones, each serving distinct functions:

- **Public Areas**: Ground-level spaces include exhibition areas and a main reception, designed for accessibility to promote community interaction.
- **Artist Workspaces**: Both the second and third floors house collaborative areas tailored to artists' needs. These adaptable spaces allow for personal expression and support a variety of creative activities.
- **Private and Leisure Spaces**: The upper levels feature areas for rest and socialization, including a rooftop terrace designed for recreational use.

This strategic organization maximizes usability while fostering connections between artists and the community.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Material selections emphasize transparency and lightness, enhancing the sensory experience of the retreat:

- **Reinforced Concrete**: Provides structural integrity, enabling various aesthetic forms.
- **Glass Panels**: Facilitate natural light entry while providing insulation, effectively integrating interior and exterior environments.
- **Wood and Composite Materials**: Reflect the concept of the 'paper artwork' façade, creating a layered visual effect that echoes traditional artistic practices and emphasizes sustainable design.
- **Metal Framework**: Utilized in the structural system for longer spans and sculptural forms, it minimizes material usage while maximizing design potential.

The careful choice of materials underscores both the aesthetic objectives and the commitment to ecological sustainability, promoting a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

The building's design incorporates green terraces and open spaces that blend with the urban landscape, allowing it to function as a dynamic platform for community activities and artistic engagement.

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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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