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Translucent Polycarbonate Facade and Adaptive Modular Design in an Urban Workspace

Translucent Polycarbonate Facade and Adaptive Modular Design in an Urban Workspace
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A translucent polycarbonate facade combined with modular design elements creates a flexible urban workspace that fosters community interaction and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate facade enhances natural light while providing visual connectivity to the environment.
02
HDPE spheres incorporated into the design create unique aesthetic and practical elements.
03
Modular configurations allow for adaptable workspace arrangements based on user needs.
04
Lightwells strategically placed throughout the building improve air quality and promote well-being.
05
Ground floor public spaces facilitate community interaction and engagement.

**Context and Concept**

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along Cambridge Street, the project is positioned at a pivotal intersection between the vibrant Beacon Hill neighborhood and the Massachusetts General Hospital campus. This strategic site facilitates interactions among diverse users, including office workers and healthcare professionals. The design aims to redefine contemporary workplace standards by fostering a sanctuary-like atmosphere within an urban office environment, addressing the need for flexibility, privacy, and well-being in the wake of increasing remote work scenarios.

**Spatial Strategy and Modularity**

The design features a modular floor plan accommodating approximately 100 workers, employing a grid system that supports a range of spatial configurations. This layout includes individual offices, collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and communal areas. The arrangement achieves a balance between open and private zones, with shared gathering spaces centrally located. Individual offices are positioned along the perimeter to maximize natural light and views while providing necessary privacy. The modular nature of the design allows for adaptable use, enabling easy reconfiguration to meet the evolving needs of users, deviating from traditional static office layouts.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

Sustainability is a key focus in the selection of materials, which includes high-density polyethylene spheres for external elements, double-pane glazing for thermal efficiency and sound insulation, and a translucent polycarbonate façade that enhances light interaction while maintaining privacy. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while polished concrete floors ensure aesthetic quality and ease of maintenance. Ribbed ceramic tiles add both visual interest and functional performance. This thoughtful material palette not only reduces energy consumption by maximizing daylight access but also contributes to a visually engaging workspace that aligns with sustainable practices.

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Enter an open architecture
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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