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Timber-Frame Retreat with Smart Glass and Solar Integration

Authors:
Raffaella Sofia Stanisz, Marcelina Daria Pilarczyk
Timber-Frame Retreat with Smart Glass and Solar Integration
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With an octagonal form and walls of smart glass, this sustainably designed sleeping pod utilizes solar energy and innovative water management systems to create an eco-friendly retreat in the picturesque Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Octagonal design enhances panoramic views.
02
Smart glass walls provide adjustable light control.
03
Solar energy harnessed for heating and lighting.
04
Integrated systems reuse grey and rainwater.
05
Prefabricated elements allow for quick assembly.

LUZ NOTURNA is a thoughtfully designed sleeping pod located in Vale de Moses, a beautiful setting that enhances its connection to nature. The structure is meant to serve both as a place to rest and as a viewing platform, allowing residents to appreciate the landscape. The design focuses on sustainable living and energy efficiency while creating an inviting atmosphere for users.

Geometric Form

The octagonal shape is a key aspect of the design, providing a distinct appearance that improves the views and experiences of those inside. This unique layout invites residents to engage with the surroundings, ensuring that each angle presents a new perspective of nature. The geometry not only adds visual interest but also supports spatial interaction within the pod.

Sustainable Practices

Energy efficiency plays a significant role in the design. The pod captures solar energy during the day to provide light and warmth at night. This method reflects a dedication to ecological design principles. Additionally, systems for managing grey and rainwater are included, offering a way to reuse resources and reduce overall consumption.

Material Selection

The structure makes use of prefabricated components, featuring steel tubular beams and columns that contribute to stability. The façade incorporates smart glass technology, allowing adjustments for heat and light, benefiting users' comfort. Through this feature, the design maintains an open feel while optimizing energy usage.

Construction Details

The roof is made up of various layers, including a waterproof membrane designed to resist roots and a sandwich panel with good insulation properties. The walls consist of smart glass paired with timber-aluminium frames, creating a sturdy yet lightweight boundary. Inside, the flooring combines sandwich panels with timber, promoting comfort and durability, enhancing the overall user experience.

Natural light flows through the structure, casting shadows that shift throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that connects occupants to the rhythm of the surrounding environment.

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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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