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Metal Facade and Warm Concrete in a Wellness Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Metal Facade and Warm Concrete in a Wellness Retreat Surrounded by Nature
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Combining a metal facade with warm concrete and expansive glass elements, the design creates a tranquil wellness retreat that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a metal facade that reflects the surrounding landscape to enhance integration with nature.
02
Incorporates warm concrete for thermal mass, improving energy efficiency and user comfort.
03
Features an open layout that strategically connects indoor spaces with outdoor views.
04
Employs large glass panels to maximize natural light and create visual continuity.
05
Includes a central pool area designed to serve as the focal point of the wellness experience.

### Project Overview

The new multifaceted facility is situated within a carefully selected landscape, designed to function as a spa that offers a variety of recreational amenities. The intent is to create a space that emphasizes the synthesis of nature, relaxation, and community interaction, achieved through a meticulously crafted architectural design.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Diversity

The facility's layout features distinct zones dedicated to relaxation, wellness treatments, dining, and leisure activities, ensuring fluid transitions between functions. A central pool area serves as a focal element, around which other spaces are organized, facilitating an inviting and exploratory environment. The design acknowledges diverse user needs, integrating wellness services such as massage rooms and saunas alongside communal areas like dining and social spaces. This layout promotes an enhanced user experience by prioritizing connections between various activities.

### Material and Aesthetic Considerations

The architectural design utilizes a thoughtful selection of materials that complement the natural surroundings. Warm concrete is extensively employed in the interior, providing a calming atmosphere with low maintenance requirements. The exterior is clad in reflective metal panels that engage with natural light while establishing a rugged connection to the landscape. Large glass windows are incorporated throughout, inviting panoramic views of the environment and promoting an inherent connection to the outdoors. The color palette consists of soft, muted tones that echo the landscape, while gradients are used to reflect changing light conditions throughout the day, enriching the spatial experience.

### Sustainability and Regional Context

The project prioritizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials and design strategies that minimize ecological impact. The layout is strategically oriented to optimize views while reducing exposure to adverse weather, promoting both comfort and aesthetic value. By drawing inspiration from local architectural practices and the surrounding environment, the design not only enhances the visitor experience but also embeds the facility within its regional context, reinforcing its identity as a wellness retreat.

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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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