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Living Roof Lodge with Timber Canopy and Biomass Heating

Authors:
Chris Green, Elina Kivilande
Living Roof Lodge with Timber Canopy and Biomass Heating
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Constructed with a living roof and elevated timber canopy, the lodge utilizes biomass heating to create a sustainable retreat that encourages communal living and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a living roof to enhance insulation and biodiversity.
02
Features an elevated timber canopy for natural ventilation and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates biomass heating systems for reduced carbon footprint.
04
Utilizes greywater recycling to support sustainable water management.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.

Maaja - Lodge is situated in a landscape filled with meadows, forests, and water. The lodge aims to enhance the connection between visitors and nature while promoting communal living and wellness. The design brings together indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an experience that prioritizes sustainability and healthy living.

Concept and Functionality

At the heart of Maaja - Lodge is the idea of fostering social interaction and relaxation. The Ozolini Tea Trail is an important feature of the project. It includes various spaces such as a trail hub, communal lounge, kitchen and dining areas, yoga rooms, tea workshops, accommodation, and storage. Each space is designed to cater to both individual needs and community activities, providing visitors with a rich experience.

Sustainability Features

The lodge emphasizes sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient systems. The living roof provides insulation while supporting local wildlife. Canopy overhangs help reduce the heat from the sun, and triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency throughout the building. Additional energy systems like biomass stoves, photovoltaic panels, and air source pumps further decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to environmentally responsible practices.

Structural Elements and Site Design

Accommodation options are designed for comfort and practicality. Relaxation areas are arranged to allow guests to unwind after exploring the outdoors. The communal kitchen and dining areas promote shared meals, encouraging social connections. Structural features such as stoves with seating foster interaction. Sunken areas provide natural cooling, and elevated parts of the lodge utilize local timber for building materials.

The site design strengthens the lodge's relationship with its environment through platforms above water levels, offering guests pleasant views. Mirrors integrated into the design reflect surrounding vegetation, expanding the visual space and reinforcing the connection between the lodge and nature.

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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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