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Salt Crystal Walls and Elevated Timber Structures Enhance Communal Living

Author:
Joanna Kuczkowska
Salt Crystal Walls and Elevated Timber Structures Enhance Communal Living
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Employing elevated timber structures and integrating salt crystal walls, the design creates a seamless blend of ecological sensitivity and communal living, enhancing the guest accommodation experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates salt crystal walls that interact with light to create dynamic indoor atmospheres.
02
Utilizes elevated concrete posts for improved drainage and future expansion capabilities.
03
Features modular guest units that allow for flexible accommodation arrangements.
04
Integrates cross-laminated timber for both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
Design emphasizes natural ventilation and energy efficiency through passive strategies.

### Overview

Located in a picturesque mountainous region, the "Salt and Wood" project aims to create a multi-functional facility that accommodates guests while integrating technical and communal spaces. The intent is to establish an environment that emphasizes sustainability and user experience through a deliberate selection of materials and architectural forms that harmonize with the natural surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design comprises three distinct sections: a host house, guest quarters, and a communal area that includes a covered terrace, kitchen, and restrooms. Elevated on concrete posts, the building allows for future expansion through a modular approach that enhances adaptability. The rectangular configuration features circular architectural elements that promote an organic flow between spaces, facilitating community interaction while providing privacy in the guest quarters located on the upper level. Movable bedroom units optimize the layout for varying guest capacities without compromising comfort.

### Material Integration and Sustainability

A carefully curated selection of materials underpins the project's integrity and aesthetic. The primary facade material, timber cladding, contributes natural warmth, while glass elements in the circular designs provide unobstructed views of the landscape, fostering a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Salt crystals, used in the installation of a central wall, interact with natural light, creating an ethereal ambiance that evolves throughout the day. Sustainable practices are embedded in the design, highlighted by passive ventilation, solar orientation for thermal comfort, and a rainwater harvesting system paired with efficient wastewater management solutions. The integration of corrosive-resistant materials in drainage systems emphasizes the project's commitment to durability and functionality.

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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
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