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Transparent Canopy of Sustainable Timber Set in a Botanical Landscape

Transparent Canopy of Sustainable Timber Set in a Botanical Landscape
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Elevated above the botanical landscape, a transparent wooden canopy constructed with sustainably sourced timber serves as a versatile space for community engagement and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design creates a lightness that transforms the perception of space.
02
Utilizes traditional Chiodori joinery for enhanced structural integrity.
03
Incorporates transparent panels that maximize natural light and views.
04
Features a modular open-plan layout to accommodate diverse activities.
05
Sustainably sourced materials emphasize ecological responsibility while blending with nature.

### Overview
Located in the Botanical Garden of Almaty, Kazakhstan, the SENBER project presents an architectural solution that harmonizes traditional and contemporary elements. The design is informed by the nomadic heritage of the region and seeks to create a versatile space for meditation, relaxation, and community gatherings. The structure, characterized by an elevated cubic form supported by slender posts, evokes the concept of a "wooden tent," engaging with both the environment and cultural context.

### Materiality and Light
The predominant material throughout SENBER is sustainably sourced timber, which not only enhances the aesthetic but also emphasizes ecological responsibility. The architectural framework incorporates transparent panels that maximize natural light and create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the interior spaces. This thoughtful approach to materiality fosters a deep connection with the surroundings, allowing the external landscape to inform the internal atmosphere.

### Structural Innovation
Employing traditional Japanese joinery techniques, including the Chiodori joint, lends both strength and elegance to the structure. The design features frangible seams that enhance flexibility, allowing the space to adapt to various activities. The open-plan layout promotes versatility, accommodating both communal and individual uses. Elevated above the ground, the structure provides unobstructed views of the botanical environment, further blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces.

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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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