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Papercrete Bricks and Natural Light Shape Affordable Urban Living

Authors:
Giancarlo Gemma, Vignesh Srinivas Venkatraman
Papercrete Bricks and Natural Light Shape Affordable Urban Living
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Constructed with papercrete bricks and designed to maximize natural light, the project offers a sustainable solution for affordable urban living while integrating communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with lightweight papercrete bricks for improved seismic resilience.
02
Design maximizes daylight exposure in 80% of habitable areas through strategic layout.
03
Integration of green roofs enhances insulation and promotes biodiversity.
04
High-performance windows optimize natural light while ensuring energy efficiency.
05
Community spaces coexist with residential units, promoting social interaction.

The Screen is a project designed to provide affordable housing while embracing sustainable technologies. Located in an urban area, the design prioritizes both individual needs and community interaction. The central idea focuses on maximizing energy efficiency and improving quality of life through good planning and the clever use of natural light.

Design Concept
A key feature is the massing strategy, which includes internal courtyards and green roofs. This design choice allows about 80% of the living spaces to get plenty of natural light, which makes the interiors more pleasant. The layout carefully balances privacy with opportunities for social connection, combining residential units with spaces meant for public and commercial use.

Materiality
Papercrete bricks form an important part of the building's structure. These blocks are lightweight, which helps lower construction costs and enhances the building’s ability to withstand earthquakes. Papercrete offers thermal insulation and low water absorption, making it a practical choice for sustainable design. This material reflects the project's aim to lessen its environmental impact.

Interior Environment
Inside, the design continues to focus on sustainability and comfort. Parquet flooring, treated with biocomponent polyurethane varnish, adds durability and style. Light-colored walls with a shiny finish help maximize daylight by enhancing reflection. High-performance windows and skylights allow natural light to brighten the spaces further, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Shading Strategies
Effective shading strategies are included to keep the interior comfortable. Trees are planted in courtyards to provide shade and help cool the environment naturally. Windows are placed to optimize sun protection while allowing enough light in, balancing comfort with brightness.

Attention to detail is visible in elements like sandblasted and acid-etched glass, which creates privacy while letting in natural light. This thoughtful design adds to a welcoming atmosphere, allowing residents to connect with their surroundings while enjoying a sense of seclusion.

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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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