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Living Wall Facade Enveloping Natural Light in a Concrete Home
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A living wall facade integrates vines with a concrete structure to create dynamic light patterns and enhance energy efficiency, all within a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Living wall facade actively changes light patterns throughout the day.
02
Integration of vines enhances insulation and promotes biodiversity.
03
Central opening designed for optimal natural airflow across all living spaces.
04
Use of charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Vine-covered surfaces provide seasonal changes in visual and textural qualities.

## Project Overview
Located within a thoughtfully curated landscape, "A Home of Living Shadows" exemplifies a modern approach to residential living that emphasizes ecological sensitivity and a strong connection with the natural environment. The project seeks to integrate human habitation with surrounding natural elements, prioritizing light, space, and sustainability in its design philosophy.

## Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes natural light and interaction with the outdoors, featuring a central courtyard that showcases the interplay of shadows created by strategically positioned vegetation. This courtyard not only serves as a visual focal point but also facilitates the flow of light into the interior spaces, enhancing the overall living experience. Gathering spaces within the home are characterized by large openings that create a sense of openness and promote social interaction while maintaining visual connections to the landscape. Quiet areas are designed with smaller openings, allowing for reflective moments enhanced by subtle light.

## Materiality and Ecological Integration
Materials selected for construction reflect a commitment to sustainability, emphasizing durability and aesthetic harmony with the environment. The use of **concrete** provides structural integrity while allowing for versatile forms, while **glass** is strategically employed to maximize natural light and views. The integration of **vines** in the facade creates a dynamic living wall that evolves throughout the seasons, adding visual interest and improving insulation. Additionally, the incorporation of **natural stone** in wall finishes serves to enhance the tactile quality of the home, further embedding it within its ecological context. The facade, described as a "mural curtain," exemplifies a fusion of artistic design and functional performance, enhancing energy efficiency while creating a continually changing visual narrative.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

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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