Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reflective Dome Structure Emphasizing Concrete and Timber Integration over Water

Authors:
Zhi Hau Alson Lum, Yi Heng Lim
Reflective Dome Structure Emphasizing Concrete and Timber Integration over Water
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Suspended above water, the reflective dome crafted from concrete and accented with timber invites moments of contemplation and community engagement in a serene environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended over water, the structure enhances its surroundings by creating a seamless relationship with the landscape.
02
The dome's shape facilitates unique acoustic properties, improving auditory experiences within the space.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinct texture while enhancing fire resistance and sustainability.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels optimize structural performance while reducing overall weight.
05
Strategically placed openings allow natural light to permeate, creating dynamic interior environments throughout the day.

The architecture project under review is a contemporary structure characterized by its spherical form, set within a reflective water landscape. It exemplifies a thoughtful approach to blending human-made environments with natural contexts. The building serves as a multifunctional space, designed to facilitate gatherings and promote contemplation. The design emphasizes fluidity and cohesion, presenting an inviting atmosphere for users.

Essential components of this architectural design include the use of concrete, glass, steel, and wood. Each material serves a distinct purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic. The concrete structure provides durability and a strong visual presence. Glass elements are strategically placed to allow natural light infiltration, facilitating a changing atmosphere throughout the day. Steel supports add structural integrity without compromising the elegance of the design, while wooden pathways connect the dome to the surrounding landscape, offering warmth and accessibility.

The design also considers the interplay of light and shadow within the built environment. The carefully positioned openings allow light to create dynamic patterns, enhancing the user experience. The architectural approach favors natural illumination over artificial sources, aligning with sustainable practices. The water element not only reflects the structure but also complements the overall sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

Unique Design Approaches

This project distinguishes itself through its innovative use of curvature and reflective surfaces. The spherical shape is not a common choice in architecture, notably for public or communal spaces. It promotes an organic aesthetic, challenging traditional angular forms prevalent in contemporary design. This form facilitates a unique spatial experience that encourages interaction while simultaneously allowing for solitude.

Additionally, the integration of the structure with its water environment serves as a distinctive feature. This connection expands the perceived boundaries of the project, engaging users with the natural elements beyond the architectural confines.

Another noteworthy aspect is the commitment to sustainability. The material choices not only focus on durability but also on the reduction of environmental impact. The design minimizes energy consumption by maximizing daylight usage, promoting a responsibility towards ecological considerations.

Enhanced User Interaction

The arrangement of interior spaces is designed to promote versatility. Open areas allow for various activities, from social gatherings to solitary reflection. The acoustic properties provided by the dome shape are beneficial for group discussions, enhancing the functionality of the space. Particular attention is paid to ensure that the arrangement fosters a sense of community within an individualistic setting.

The architectural design also fully utilizes the site’s natural characteristics, ensuring that users experience the changing moods of the environment throughout different times of the day. Views from the structure are meticulously planned, reinforcing the connection between architecture and the landscape, thus enriching the user experience.

For further details, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and overall design elements of the project. An examination of the architectural ideas presented will offer deeper insights into the functionality and innovation inherent in this architectural venture.

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
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
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

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
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
Final registration deadline 26 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