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Spiral Form with Steel Structure and Rainwater Harvesting in Community Living

Authors:
Nuo Chen, Kunsong Li, Shun Shi
Spiral Form with Steel Structure and Rainwater Harvesting in Community Living
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The integration of a spiral form with steel structure and rainwater harvesting systems creates a distinctive community living environment that prioritizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral layout encourages natural movement and community interaction.
02
Low boundary wall doubles as seating for communal gatherings.
03
Steel structure designed to harmonize with the rolling hillside.
04
Integrated rainwater collection system supports ecological sustainability.
05
Solar panels on the roof enhance energy efficiency and resource management.

The Spirala Community Home is set on a gently sloping hillside, designed to coexist with its natural surroundings. It aims to bring people together through its layout, featuring a spiral concept that integrates both shared and private spaces. The project places a strong emphasis on functionality and sustainability, creating an environment that encourages social interaction and community living.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the spiral shape, which creates a spacious interior while enhancing usability. This form facilitates movement, allowing residents to engage with each other easily. By promoting an open layout alongside intimate areas, the design invites both gathering and personal reflection within the same structure.

Circulation Strategy

The building's circulation is well thought out, guiding foot traffic efficiently while offering specific zones for different activities. There are designated spaces for meetings, relaxation, and dance, allowing for a variety of communal functions to take place. The low boundary wall serves as a gentle transition from the building to the landscape, providing separation while also offering additional seating for gatherings.

Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices focus on sustainability without compromising the structural integrity. Steel is used prominently in the structure, and insulation materials improve energy conservation. The roof is equipped with solar panels, underscoring the commitment to resource efficiency. There are also systems in place for collecting rainwater, which reinforces the goal of ecological responsibility in everyday living.

Integration with Nature

A key aspect of the design is how it blends with the surrounding environment. The roof mimics the contours of the hillside, avoiding a jarring contrast with the landscape. This approach emphasizes a strong connection between the residents and nature, creating an atmosphere that encourages appreciation of the outdoors. The use of design to foster this relationship enhances the overall experience of living in the community home.

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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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