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Sinuous Gabion Walls Enclosing a Larch Hearth for Community Reading Spaces

Authors:
Giuseppe Galbiati, Zoe Savoca
Sinuous Gabion Walls Enclosing a Larch Hearth for Community Reading Spaces
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Sinuous gabion walls embrace a transparent larch hearth, creating a flexible and inviting space for community reading activities while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sinuous gabion walls enhance environmental permeability and connection to the landscape.
02
The design incorporates a central transparent larch hearth that serves as the focal point for reading activities.
03
Modular elements allow for easy assembly and adaptability to various locations.
04
Paths leading to the bookshelf increase accessibility and user interaction within the space.
05
The combination of materials promotes sustainability while providing flexibility in usage.

VorText presents an architectural vision that integrates communal reading spaces with natural surroundings. The design brings together the ideas of a fireplace and a protective wall, emphasizing a space meant for connection and reflection. The arrangement features a series of steel boxes that enclose a bright, transparent hearth filled with books, allowing for a unique interaction among users and the landscape.

Design Concept

The layout consists of two main paths that lead to a central bookshelf, offering multiple ways for people to engage with the space. Users can park their bicycles in a sheltered area on the ground floor and then choose to read on shared benches, multifunctional cubes, or even on reclined surfaces. Another option is to climb the terraced wall, allowing visitors to enjoy elevated views while selecting their reading material.

Sustainability and Structure

Central to VorText is its commitment to sustainability. The design utilizes gabion walls that reduce the need for excavation, which highlights its environmental focus. These walls are permeable, allowing for a connection with the surrounding landscape. This creates a more inviting atmosphere and opens up sightlines. The structure is based on modular elements, which can be easily assembled and relocated, making it suitable for different settings.

Material Integration

VorText features key materials such as steel for the construction of the boxes and larch wood used in the bookshelf and seating arrangements. This choice of materials balances durability with an inviting look that complements the natural environment. The elements work together to create a space that encourages interaction and enjoyment of reading.

At the center of VorText, the transparent hearth serves as a focal point, drawing attention to the world of books within. It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, reinforcing the importance of reading in a communal setting. This design detail enhances the overall experience, highlighting the joy of literature in a shared 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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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

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