Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Organic Forms and Recycled Materials in a Self-Sustaining Community Village

Author:
Nicoletta Nowakowska
Organic Forms and Recycled Materials in a Self-Sustaining Community Village
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating recycled materials and organic forms, the village features a rainwater collection system that supports a community designed for artistic collaboration and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated vegetable gardens enhance food sustainability for residents.
02
The use of recycled materials, including old tires, supports ecological practices.
03
A wind turbine powers the village, emphasizing renewable energy use.
04
Design features large glazed areas for communal interaction during events.
05
No trees were removed, preserving the natural landscape throughout development.

Gaudi's Village is an architectural project inspired by the ideas of Antoni Gaudi. It is set against a natural landscape where buildings blend with their surroundings. The design includes a hostel, artists' houses, workshops, and coworking spaces. The main goal is to create a community that encourages creativity and interaction. The design approach focuses on organic shapes that connect with the natural environment.

Sustainability and Energy Use

Sustainability is a major focus of Gaudi's Village. It has an independent rainwater collection system that helps supply water to the various facilities. A wind turbine provides energy, emphasizing the project's commitment to renewable resources and reducing its environmental footprint. This focus on sustainability is evident in the design and operation of the village.

Community Spaces

The layout of Gaudi's Village emphasizes connectivity. Walking paths link different areas, making it easy for residents to move around. There are communal spaces such as an amphitheater and a dedicated yoga and meditation area. These spaces encourage people to come together, share ideas, and participate in community activities. The design invites collaboration and promotes a sense of belonging.

Natural Materials

The project uses a variety of natural materials to enhance its design. Earth, wood, glass, and old tires are incorporated into the buildings. This choice not only supports sustainability but also creates an aesthetic that feels consistent with the environment. Each material is carefully selected to contribute to the overall look and feel of the village while adhering to ecological principles.

Vegetable Gardens and Food Practices

Vegetable gardens are an important feature of Gaudi's Village. Located within the hostel and artists' houses, these gardens allow residents to grow food and engage with sustainable living. This initiative not only provides fresh produce but also fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment. The green spaces enhance the overall atmosphere, adding beauty and functionality.

The common areas of the hostel are designed with large windows. This allows residents to see activities happening in the theater while still enjoying their own space. It creates a connection between private living and communal events, enriching the experience of living in Gaudi's Village.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy