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Reclaimed Bricks and Courtyard Walls in a Radial Guest House Design

Author:
Harri Ahonen
Reclaimed Bricks and Courtyard Walls in a Radial Guest House Design
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Radial guest house designed with reclaimed bricks and heat-insulated blocks, anchored by a central courtyard that fosters community while providing individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radial layout enhances communal interaction while providing private views.
02
Use of reclaimed bricks preserves local architectural heritage.
03
Heat-insulated blocks improve energy efficiency and comfort.
04
Large glass walls facilitate a strong connection to the outdoors.
05
Central courtyard promotes social engagement and accessibility.

The guest house is located in a cultivated plain, surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. It serves as a communal living facility, designed with a concept that connects the building to its surrounding landscape. The layout consists of separate units that are arranged in a radial pattern around a central courtyard. This design promotes both community engagement and individual privacy, helping to blend the natural environment with the built forms.

Design Arrangement

The guest house features individual units that radiate from the central courtyard, allowing residents to enjoy a variety of views. Each apartment has a unique sightline towards the picturesque vineyards, hill towns, and mountains in the distance. The design includes varying room heights that create an open feel and invite ample natural light into each space.

Circulation and Access

Residents access their apartments through a welcoming common courtyard, which serves as a space for social interaction. Utility areas are strategically placed at the lower parts of each unit, ensuring functional living. The main living areas, including the kitchenette and bedroom, are located on the perimeter of the building. This design choice encourages a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, made possible by large glass walls.

Materials and Sustainability

The construction employs various materials selected for durability and sustainability. The building frames are made of masonry, while the upper areas and floor consist of cast concrete. Brick tiles add visual appeal to the flooring. The outer walls use heat-insulated blocks, finished with plaster above and brickwork below. Reclaimed bricks from buildings set for demolition will be used for wall cladding and courtyard walls, along with repurposed roof tiles. This strategy not only honors local architectural heritage but also embodies environmentally responsible practices.

Architectural Details

Each unit includes its own private outdoor space, thoughtfully bordered by shrubs and walls for added privacy. Shade from pergolas enhances the outdoor areas, particularly those adjacent to bedrooms. The design includes communal spaces, such as a wine tasting room and a small kitchen for dining. This arrangement creates opportunities for social interactions among residents, enriching the experience of living in the guest house. Each design element works together to provide a balanced living environment, connecting inhabitants to the natural landscape while offering comfortable and functional spaces.

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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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