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Rammed Earth Retreat with Corten Steel Framing and Artistic Spaces

Authors:
Delia Maguire, Nathan Power
Rammed Earth Retreat with Corten Steel Framing and Artistic Spaces
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Constructed with rammed earth and framed in corten steel, the design harmonizes with its olive grove setting while providing dedicated spaces for artistic expression and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Corten steel elements provide durability and integrate with the natural landscape.
03
Yoga studio positioned above workshops offers expansive views of the surroundings.
04
Stained glass details add color while enriching the artistic atmosphere.
05
Residences are partially underground to minimize energy consumption and visibility.

The design is set within an olive grove, emphasizing a strong connection to the natural landscape. The project includes three main areas: a hostel, an artist’s workshop and yoga studio, and residences for artists. The design principle is to create structures that blend harmoniously with the environment, allowing them to coexist with the natural surroundings while fostering creativity and community among users.

Hostel
The hostel features 20 rooms, each designed for two occupants. These rooms are arranged over two floors. A central atrium and dining space serve as gathering points, encouraging interaction among guests. Each room opens to terrace areas that provide views of the grove, which enhances the outdoor experience. The design employs natural elements to manage temperature, ensuring warmth in winter and fresh air in summer through passive solar techniques.

Workshops
The workshops are aimed at facilitating artistic endeavors and incorporate dedicated spaces for yoga and collaborative work. Positioned above the main workshop areas, the yoga studio offers broad views, enriching the atmosphere for practice and relaxation. Stained glass features in the design, bringing color and liveliness to the interiors, thus appealing to the artistic community using these spaces.

Artist Residences
The residences are designed to maintain a low profile, minimizing visibility from the surrounding town. Each unit contains two bedrooms and a bathroom, promoting comfort and functionality. Built partially underground, these homes help regulate temperature naturally, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Windows are strategically placed to capture sunlight during winter while allowing for cross-ventilation in warmer weather, supporting a pleasant indoor climate.

Rammed earth and corten steel are used in various structural details to enhance the aesthetic quality of the design. These materials contribute to the overall environmental approach and strengthen the connection between the built structures and the olive grove. Their textures echo the landscape, creating an intimate relationship between the architecture and nature.

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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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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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