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Reflective Pools and Burnt Larch Create a Communal Retreat

Author:
James Hogan
Reflective Pools and Burnt Larch Create a Communal Retreat
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Centered around reflective pools and constructed with burnt larch, the design fosters a communal space that encourages shared experiences and personal contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pools are integrated into the site plan to enhance tranquility and introspection.
02
The use of burnt larch for cladding provides durability and a connection to local materials.
03
Accommodations float above water, promoting a unique interaction with the landscape.
04
Shared dining and kitchen areas are designed to foster community engagement and social interaction.
05
The design references a 13th Century Castle, emphasizing historical context and security.

The design presents a careful blend of built form and natural landscape, with an emphasis on community and sustainability. Located in a unique geographical context, the project aims to create spaces that foster both personal exploration and collective experiences. Central to the idea is the theme of pilgrimage, where architecture serves as a medium for individuals to connect with themselves and their surroundings.

Conceptual Framework
A slipway serves as a central feature, elevating above the natural terrain. This not only acts as a pathway but also as a space for contemplation, reinforcing a connection with nature. The concept of pilgrimage encourages users to partake in a shared journey, fostering interaction and a sense of community among individuals.

Historical Context
The design incorporates elements inspired by historical structures, specifically the defensive features of a 13th Century Castle. By integrating these historical aspects, the design provides a sense of security and refuge while paying tribute to the region's architectural history. Such considerations highlight the importance of safety in communal spaces within contemporary settings.

Architectural Themes
Various architectural themes run through the design, including literalism, abstraction, and symbolism. Literalism reflects the tangible aspects of the structure, while abstraction allows for individual interpretations of form and space. Symbolism connects cultural narratives with the built environment, enriching the overall experience for users.

Design Elements
The site plan includes communal areas, with accommodations that float above reflective pools. This setup creates private spaces for relaxation and introspection. Additional components, such as an exhibition space, a shared dining room, and a communal kitchen, are designed to promote social interaction. Access is facilitated by long, double-sided ramps, reinforcing the focus on community. The arrangement of structures creates a rhythm that unifies the different spaces.

The design features materials such as burnt larch for cladding, thatch for roofing, and stone for structural elements. These choices create a cohesive look that fits well within the surrounding environment. Together, they enhance the relationship between the buildings and their landscape, inviting users to interact within a thoughtfully designed space.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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