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Thermal Blocks and Perforated Roof Enhance Passive Cooling in Educational Atrium

Authors:
Tamara Šebetovsky, Dora Perković
Thermal Blocks and Perforated Roof Enhance Passive Cooling in Educational Atrium
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With a pitched roof that incorporates perforations for passive cooling and masonry thermal blocks for insulation, the design enhances visitor engagement with the surrounding wetlands through an educational atrium.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated roof design enhances natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Masonry thermal blocks provide effective insulation while minimizing energy use.
03
Atrium space accommodates local flora, promoting educational engagement.
04
Strategic placement of entrances encourages visitor interaction with the landscape.
05
Building positioned to maximize views of surrounding wetlands and natural light.

The design is located in an unbuilt area, surrounded by flat land and water ponds, setting the scene for its unique character. It is a single-story structure, which allows for minimal excavation while taking advantage of sweeping views of the nearby wetlands. The overall concept centers on a self-referencing, temple-like form that connects with three key elements: the local climate, the movement of people and vehicles, and the visual backdrop created by the wetlands.

Building Form and Strategy

The structure has a mostly closed form, consciously positioned at the site’s edge. This placement creates selective openings that invite visitors to engage with the landscape. A pitched roof serves a dual purpose — it acts as a cooling device by drawing in cooler air from above, promoting natural ventilation and enhancing comfort within the building.

Atrium and Internal Dynamics

At the heart of the design is an atrium, which functions as a central space for displaying local flora while also helping to control indoor temperatures through evaporative cooling. The atrium establishes a strong connection between the occupants and nature, illustrating how interior spaces can support environmental goals effectively.

Airflow and Perforations

The pitched roof features perforations that allow air to flow freely, utilizing the thermal stack effect to expel warmer air upwards and out of the building. This clever detail not only improves indoor air quality but also lets natural light penetrate deeper into the spaces, brightening the environment while keeping energy use in check.

Material Considerations

For structural integrity, the design includes masonry thermal blocks that provide insulation and reinforced concrete slabs that ensure a stable foundation. The roof is made up of multidirectional laminated wooden beams, which create the necessary pitch for effective ventilation and allow ample daylight to illuminate the interior.

Multiple entrances enhance accessibility, guiding visitors through various points of interest, including the main entrance, gift shop, and terrace. This thoughtful arrangement encourages interaction with the environment while offering diverse experiences from different perspectives.

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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.

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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