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Trellis-Integrated Reading Room Using Bamboo and Eco-Friendly Materials

Authors:
Mariana Becerra, Natalia Calcaneo, Andrea Jacome
Trellis-Integrated Reading Room Using Bamboo and Eco-Friendly Materials
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The integration of a trellis with climbing plants and sustainable bamboo materials creates a distinctive reading room that fosters community interaction and promotes an inviting atmosphere for literary exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
The trellis structure allows for natural plant growth, enhancing the reading room's connection to nature.
02
Bamboo panels are used for structural integrity, promoting sustainability and renewable materials.
03
Lumira aerogel roofing provides exceptional lightweight insulation while remaining eco-friendly.
04
Repreve fabric, made from recycled PET, is used for seating, combining comfort with environmental responsibility.
05
The design includes personal sitting areas integrated into walls, encouraging intimate reading spaces.

The BOOKGARDEN project is a versatile reading room located within a natural setting. Its design emphasizes both function and accessibility, creating a space for community interaction and literary exchange. Inspired by "The Secret Garden," the project blends architectural elements with nature, fostering a calm environment ideal for reading and socializing.

Design Concept

Central to BOOKGARDEN is the trellis structure, which serves as an open lattice framework supporting climbing plants. This design choice promotes a connection to nature while enhancing the visual appeal of the reading room. The space encourages natural growth, allowing it to change over time. This creates a relationship between the building and its surroundings, inviting visitors to engage with the environment as they explore the area.

Spatial Organization

The layout of BOOKGARDEN features distinct sections that clearly define different functional areas, promoting balance within the space. With designated areas for seating and bookshelves, the design allows users to move about easily. The interplay of vertical and horizontal lines creates visual interest, while the mix of smooth and sharp edges adds texture. Overall, this thoughtful organization contributes to an inviting atmosphere that supports a variety of activities.

Sustainable Materials

A key focus of the design is sustainability, which is evident in the choice of materials used throughout the project. Bamboo panels form the structural components, providing a renewable source of strength and durability. The roofing incorporates Lumira aerogel, known for its lightweight insulation properties. Repreve fabric, made from recycled PET bottles, is used for seating, and Vita Talalay latex provides breathable stuffing for comfort.

Natural light streams through the trellis, casting soft shadows within the reading room. This gentle play of light enhances the atmosphere, creating an inviting space for quiet reflection and community gatherings.

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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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