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Urban Living with Floating Gardens and Brutal Concrete

Authors:
Ali Zolfaghari, Hadi Najafinejad, Aylar Ordouie, Arezoo Heidari
Urban Living with Floating Gardens and Brutal Concrete
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With brutal concrete construction and unique floating gardens that enhance urban density, the design provides compact lofts that prioritize both private living and community interaction in the heart of London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating gardens enhance the building's vertical appearance and improve urban biodiversity.
02
The design maintains a width of no more than four meters for optimal urban integration.
03
Brutal concrete construction provides a distinct contrast to traditional brick and wood finishes.
04
Public space on the ground floor fosters community interaction among residents.
05
Cozy lofts are designed for self-sufficiency while maximizing available living space.

Slice is designed to meet the housing needs of urban areas, particularly in London. It provides essential living spaces while respecting existing city structures and infrastructure. The design focuses on functionality and encourages social interaction. By creating a balance between personal living areas and shared public spaces, it offers a practical solution for urban dwellers.

Design Concept

The project efficiently makes use of space by reducing unnecessary areas. Slice features cozy lofts that are self-sufficient. The ground floor incorporates a public space meant for community engagement. This design encourages people to connect with each other, creating a sense of belonging in a busy city.

Spatial Configuration

The layout is strategically planned to fit beneath existing buildings, alongside tube railways, and close to the River Thames. The overall width does not exceed four meters, which helps it integrate into the urban environment without dominating it. By following the contours of the city, Slice meets the need for housing while maintaining a respectful relationship with its surroundings.

Material Palette

The choice of materials includes brutal concrete, metal, and glass, creating a contrast with traditional brickwork and wooden interior finishes. This combination connects the historical elements of the city with modern design principles. By using these materials, the building reflects both the past and the future, creating a cohesive narrative within London.

Vertical Greenery

One of the unique features is the use of floating gardens on alternating levels. These gardens enhance the building's height and contribute to the urban skyline. They offer a touch of nature in a dense city. Additionally, these green spaces improve air quality and support biodiversity, making the project more sustainable. The thoughtful design not only adds visual interest but also encourages a connection between residents and nature.

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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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