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Meditative Courtyard Surrounded by Folded Roof Pavilions

Authors:
Petrea Sweeny, Aurelie Frolet
Meditative Courtyard Surrounded by Folded Roof Pavilions
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A folded roof plane embraces four distinct pavilions, creating a meditative courtyard that enhances daily routines through mindful engagement with both the interior and surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Four distinct pavilions designed for specific functions enhance spatial flexibility.
02
A central meditative courtyard is open to the sky, promoting natural light and airflow.
03
A folded roof plane channels rainwater into a cistern, emphasizing sustainability.
04
Cross-ventilation features support summer use, while a wood-burning stove caters to winter.
05
The design encourages perambulatory meditation through purposeful movement between spaces.

The Part-to-Whole House presents a modern way of living that challenges conventional designs. Located in a calm area, this residence emphasizes a thoughtful layout where four separate pavilions cater to distinct functions: sleeping, washing, reading, and relaxation. Central to the design is a meditative courtyard that enhances the connection between the indoors and outdoors. This layout promotes mindfulness, inviting residents to engage with their environment more deeply.

Spatial Configuration

The structure breaks away from typical home layouts by dividing activities into individual pavilions. This segmentation offers each space its own character while still creating a harmonious overall design. Such a layout allows occupants greater flexibility, making it easy for them to interact with different areas based on their needs. The movement between these distinct spaces fosters a sense of purpose throughout daily life.

Central Courtyard

A central feature is the meditative courtyard, which acts as a gathering place uniting the four pavilions. The courtyard is open to the sky, allowing natural light to flood the area and inviting the elements into daily living. Through this open design, a connection to nature is established, encouraging inhabitants to reflect and practice mindfulness in their everyday routines.

Roof and Sustainability

The roof is designed as a single folded plane that visually connects the pavilions while also serving practical functions. It collects rainwater, which is directed into a cistern located in the courtyard. This reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of resource management. The design integrates eco-friendly features, highlighting the relationship between built spaces and the natural world.

Seasonal Engagement

The design considers seasonal changes by including features tailored for varying climates. One pavilion is equipped with ample cross-ventilation for summer use, while another contains a wood-burning stove to provide warmth in winter. These thoughtful adaptations ensure that the home resonates with the natural cycles of the environment, inviting residents to experience seasonal variations as they move through different spaces.

In the meditative courtyard, the rainwater cistern quietly serves as a functional detail, illustrating the thoughtful connection between the residence and its surroundings.

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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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