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Limestone Facades and Serpent Motifs in a Creative Urban Retreat

Authors:
Affan Adil Khan, Wajiha Ali, Aliza Shah, Bisma Zia
Limestone Facades and Serpent Motifs in a Creative Urban Retreat
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Incorporating limestone facades and serpent motifs, the retreat seamlessly integrates cultural elements and contemporary design to provide an inspiring environment for artistic creation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone highlights incorporate traditional Thai motifs, linking the design to local heritage.
02
Serpent motif design elements create a visual narrative throughout the building.
03
The project utilizes split levels to foster spatial flow and user interaction.
04
Large glass facades enhance natural light and connectivity with the surrounding environment.
05
Dedicated artists' studios offer both collaborative and private spaces for creative work.

## Project Overview

The Rejuvenation Retreat is located in Bang Muang Mai, Thailand, an area that embraces the rich cultural and artistic tapestry of Bangkok. The design concept centers around the metaphor of "Snakes and Ladders," symbolizing the complexity and dynamics of urban life. This facility is crafted to provide a conducive environment for artists seeking both creative inspiration and tranquility, allowing for a unique interplay of diverse activities through an interconnected series of spaces.

## Architectural Design Elements

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The interior of the retreat features a novel spatial configuration across five levels, each serving distinct purposes. The ground and first floors are designed as public engagement areas, including exhibition spaces and communal facilities that encourage interaction among artists and visitors. Semi-private collaborative workspaces occupy the second and third floors, while the fourth and fifth floors are reserved for private artist studios and recreational amenities, including areas for games such as snooker and table tennis. This thoughtful organization enhances both social and individual pursuits.

### Materiality and Structural Integrity
The building's façade showcases a blend of limestone, glass, steel, and concrete, each chosen for its aesthetic and functional properties. Limestone is employed for intricate lamp motifs, echoing traditional Thai artistry, while glass facilitates transparency and natural light throughout the structure. The robust combination of steel and concrete underpins the design, allowing for innovative architectural expressions. The exterior is characterized by angular forms and varied textures, creating a contemporary narrative that also honors historical motifs. Incorporating large windows fosters a connection to the surroundings, enhancing the overall user experience while adapting to the local climate.

### Sustainable Design Strategies
Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the retreat's design, evidenced by careful material selection and strategies that maximize natural illumination, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This approach not only aligns with ecological considerations but also reinforces the cultural identity inherent in the local context. The integration of traditional motifs within modern elements strives to create a dialogue between past and present, exemplifying a commitment to both artistic heritage and innovative architectural practices.

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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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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