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Local Stone and Glass Fiber Panels Create Camouflaged Community Gathering Space

Author:
Fernie Lai
Local Stone and Glass Fiber Panels Create Camouflaged Community Gathering Space
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Grounded in local stone and reinforced with glass fiber, the design creates a community gathering space that integrates seamlessly with its natural environment, fostering connection and solitude among its ten guest rooms.
5 key facts about this project
01
Grounded in local stone, enhancing environmental integration.
02
Panels made from ground local stone, reinforced with glass fiber.
03
Atrium design promotes natural light and community interaction.
04
Ten guest rooms configured in a unique masonry maze layout.
05
Strategically positioned for views of the northern lights.

The design emphasizes a careful connection between the building and its natural setting, located in a landscape that requires a thoughtful approach. The concept revolves around blending the structure with the surroundings, using local materials to ensure that the project fits within its environment. A canopied atrium serves as a central space for gathering, allowing for both social interaction and a strong link to the outside.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials highlights an emphasis on sustainability and local relevance. Local stone is a key component, processed into a fine powder and reinforced with glass fiber. This method not only increases strength but also allows for custom panel fabrication. These panels, made away from the site, reduce the environmental footprint of the building process.

Spatial Organization

Visitors enter through a slightly lowered plaza, which leads into the atrium. The atrium features rough stone walls and is surrounded by ten guest rooms set in a maze-like arrangement. This design promotes privacy for guests while still encouraging a sense of community. It creates a space where occupants can feel connected to one another.

Vertical Connectivity

A central staircase connects the atrium to the public areas above it, facilitating movement throughout the building. This stairwell is not just functional; it frames views that draw attention to the natural landscape outside. Upper floors feature public kitchens, dining, and living spaces, designed to take advantage of the scenery, including the possibility of viewing the northern lights.

Large glass panels in the railings of the upper levels bring in natural light and provide unobstructed views of the landscape, enhancing the overall experience. This connection to the environment is further emphasized by the careful placement of windows that allow occupants to engage with the changing atmosphere around them.

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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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