Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Thatched Roof Shelter with Peek-a-Boo Openings and Stacked Timber Walls

Authors:
Hanbing Wu, Helia Mahdavian, Fiona Lam
Thatched Roof Shelter with Peek-a-Boo Openings and Stacked Timber Walls
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A tilted thatched roof with peek-a-boo openings creates a unique shelter that engages with the surrounding landscape while stacked timber walls provide practical space for catering and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tilted thatched roof creates sheltered areas for both catering and social interaction.
02
Peek-a-boo openings allow existing trees to integrate into the design.
03
Stacking method reduces construction complexity and labor needs.
04
Walls utilize locally sourced SPF lumber for sustainability.
05
Orientation aligns buildings with existing site programs to enhance community flow.

Food Grove combines a tilted thatched roof with local architectural influences, creating a unique setting that serves both functional and aesthetic goals. Located in a natural environment that promotes ecological balance, the design provides shelter for catering spaces and queueing areas while ensuring adequate water drainage through the roof's angled form. The approach emphasizes a commitment to preserving the existing flora and fauna, allowing the built structure to connect with its surroundings.

Design Concept

The focus on minimal disturbance is evident in the use of “peek-a-boo” holes in the roof, which maintain the integrity of existing trees. This thoughtful design feature enhances functionality while fostering a connection between the space and nature. The tilted roof contributes to the overall look, creating protected areas for users, promoting social interaction and a sense of community.

Materials and Construction

Walls are constructed using a stacking method, reducing the need for specialized labor and utilizing locally sourced SPF lumber. This choice supports environmental concerns and local economy, making it easier to manage costs. This approach simplifies the building process, allowing for quicker assembly with minimal disruption to the surrounding area, reinforcing respect for natural elements.

Structural Framework

A grid structure supports the roof, following light wood frame principles. This design provides stability while efficiently directing rainwater away from the building. The project incorporates three types of dimensional cuts: 4x4 lumber for the walls, 2x10s for structural elements, and one large sawn timber beam for the roof. Such a streamlined selection of materials aids in construction while reinforcing the project’s straightforward design.

Spatial Organization

The layout has been carefully arranged, aligning buildings with existing programs on the site. This orientation enhances the experience for users, fostering environments for dining and socializing. The extended roof not only protects people waiting in line from rain but also creates informal gathering spaces. This focus on fostering community interaction is a key aspect of the design.

A distinctive feature of the project is its expansive roof, which fulfills practical needs while creating an eye-catching profile against the landscape. The design effectively merges its architectural elements with the natural surroundings, establishing a welcoming environment for visitors.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy