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Recycled Glass Walls and Timber Framework in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Syeda Ruaida Islam, Rashid Anjum Adil
Recycled Glass Walls and Timber Framework in a Sustainable Community Hub
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Recycled glass walls and a timber framework define a unique community hub in India, seamlessly integrating a meditation chamber and a green zone for vegetable harvesting, promoting sustainability alongside social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique green zone for vegetable harvesting included in the upper level.
02
Meditation chamber designed for personal reflection and tranquility.
03
Recycled glass walls enhance natural light and visibility throughout the space.
04
Conserved stone wall connects the structure to its historical roots.
05
Timber framework offers warmth and ties the design to local materials.

The Barn of the Ozolin Tea Maker is located in the Indian sub-continent, creating a blend of culture and modern living. Drawing from the banyan tree, the design concept highlights themes of continuity and connection with the surrounding environment. This building serves multiple functions, promoting a space for both community interaction and individual moments of solitude.

Architectural Concept

The design emphasizes the balance between communal and individual spaces. A large multi-purpose gathering area invites social engagement, providing a setting for various activities. At the same time, a meditation chamber offers a quiet retreat for personal reflection. This design considers the diverse needs of the occupants, allowing for both connection and personal time.

Materiality

A timber frame forms the core structure of the building, offering stability and warmth to the interior. Recycled glass fills inclined walls, allowing natural light to flood the space and promoting ventilation. This focus on sustainability enhances energy efficiency while showcasing a commitment to responsible material use. PET flakes are used for insulation at lower levels, further supporting the aim of reducing waste.

Historical Context

The conserved stone wall ties the new structure back to its historical setting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining heritage. This design choice connects the modern elements with the past, reinforcing the narrative of the site. A wooden floor enhances the barn's natural aesthetic, adding to the overall sensory experience and complementing the surrounding environment.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a key role in the project, particularly on the upper level, where a green zone is designed for vegetable harvesting. This feature encourages self-sufficiency in food production, linking the occupants to their environment. The thoughtful integration of nature into the design highlights a lifestyle that appreciates local produce and community interaction.

The design incorporates large glass elements and thoughtful airflow, creating a welcoming atmosphere that honors the relationship between the past and the present. It presents a balance of historical respect and modern living, ensuring that the barn serves its community while promoting sustainability.

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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 €
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