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Layered Volumes of Locally Sourced Wood with Integrated Book Storage

Authors:
Hieu Huynh, Sugra Panvelwala, Gabriel Bardales
Layered Volumes of Locally Sourced Wood with Integrated Book Storage
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Locally sourced wood layers create flexible volumes that blend seating, book storage, and bike parking, fostering community interaction in a dedicated reading space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Locally sourced wood sheets form the project's modular components.
02
Three equal volumes are created through a process of strategic subtraction.
03
Flexible configurations accommodate diverse community activities.
04
Integrated bike parking enhances accessibility and promotes sustainability.
05
The design encourages user interaction and fosters a sense of community.

The Bookery exemplifies a thoughtful approach to enhancing the experience of reading and sharing ideas. It serves as a structured space for both the appreciation of books and communal interaction. Located in a welcoming environment, it functions as a hub that meets various social and individual needs.

Design Concept

The concept begins with a plane divided into three equal parts. When extruded, these parts form three equal volumes. This design makes effective use of available space, creating functional modules specifically designed for certain activities: seating for relaxation, storage for books, and parking space for bicycles. The design employs subtraction, allowing the integration of these elements in a cohesive manner.

Materiality

The construction of The Bookery relies on locally sourced wood sheets. These materials are prefabricated, which simplifies fabrication and makes assembly more efficient. The use of these sheets supports a layered structure that consists of connected volumes. These volumes are designed to rotate within a predefined range, making it possible to configure the space in various ways. The modular design accommodates different user needs and adapts to specific site conditions.

Spatial Arrangement

The flexible modular design encourages different ways for users to interact with the space. It allows for various activities, enhancing both individual and communal experiences. Each configuration promotes a balance between solitude and socialization, enriching visitors’ connections to books and to one another.

Functional Integration

The Bookery connects functional design with practical usability. It creates an atmosphere that invites both contemplation and collaboration. The modular components adapt in response to the activities taking place, highlighting the role of architecture in fostering community interactions. Each detail contributes to an environment where literature and social engagement thrive, creating a space that is both functional and welcoming.

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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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