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Subterranean Residence with Local Stone and Passive Design Strategies in a Valley Setting

Subterranean Residence with Local Stone and Passive Design Strategies in a Valley Setting
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Built into the hillside using locally sourced stone, this residence employs a partial subterranean design to optimize thermal performance and natural light, serving as a private family home in the Ihlara Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed partially underground to enhance thermal efficiency.
02
Central courtyard promotes natural light while ensuring privacy.
03
Includes a dedicated wine vault designed for optimal aging conditions.
04
Utilizes local stone for structural integrity and regional context.
05
Features expansive glass openings to maximize views of the Ihlara Valley.

### Project Overview
The TerraVine House is situated on a hillside in the Ihlara Valley of Turkey, a region known for its unique climate and historical importance. The design integrates elements of the local landscape and cultural heritage while incorporating sustainable architectural practices. The project addresses the environmental challenges specific to the area, creating a contemporary habitat that resonates with traditional Turkish architectural principles.

### Spatial Strategy
The design of the TerraVine House responds directly to the site's topography and climatic conditions. A partially subterranean structure helps mitigate temperature extremes, enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Careful spatial organization creates an interplay between public and private areas, facilitating interactions while providing seclusion. Key features include a strategically designed entrance that transitions occupants from the external environment to the internal space, a central courtyard that draws in natural light, and underground areas that maintain cooler temperatures while allowing indirect sunlight to filter through.

### Materiality
Material selection emphasizes local resources and environmental adaptability. Stone provides thermal mass for effective temperature regulation, while concrete contributes structural integrity and longevity. Large glass openings optimize natural light and afford expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Wood adds warmth to interior finishes, contrasting with the sturdiness of stone and concrete, and earth tones throughout reinforce the connection to the natural environment. This thoughtful combination of materials not only ensures durability but also fosters a harmonious aesthetic that aligns with the site’s character.

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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.

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