Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Waterway-Inspired Design Featuring Volcanic Tuff and Green Spaces in a Dining Experience

Author:
Sebastian Kawalec
Waterway-Inspired Design Featuring Volcanic Tuff and Green Spaces in a Dining Experience
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating a central waterway alongside volcanic tuff and lush green spaces, the design creates an immersive dining experience that bridges the indoors with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a central waterway that connects indoor and outdoor environments.
02
Integrates volcanic tuff as a primary material for both aesthetics and durability.
03
Features guest observatories to enhance the dining experience through unique vantage points.
04
Incorporates a cascade garden that enhances natural light and guest interaction.
05
Multi-functional areas allow for flexible use beyond standard dining operations.

"The Secret Garden" is an architectural design inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel. The setting is a unique space that serves as both a restaurant and a multi-functional area, encouraging exploration and interaction with nature. The design concept contrasts a bold exterior with a welcoming interior, inviting visitors to experience a journey of discovery.

Architecture Concept

The central idea revolves around creating a hidden sanctuary. The exterior stands as a solid and imposing structure, generating curiosity about what lies inside. Upon entering, guests encounter an inviting atmosphere rich with greenery. This shift from a stark outside to a vibrant interior signifies a transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The layout emphasizes paths of exploration, guiding visitors through various levels and spaces.

Spatial Arrangement

The building features multiple levels arranged to promote a sense of journey. The third floor includes an entrance area, a reception space, and two hotel rooms, making the building versatile. A prominent staircase links the different levels, encouraging movement and exploration.

On the second floor, there are functional spaces such as a technical room, restrooms, and a multifunctional room, along with an administration area. A staircase included in a themed garden adds to the experience, inviting visitors to engage with both the practical aspects and the visual beauty of the design.

Material Selection

Materials are thoughtfully chosen to enhance both the appearance and functionality of the design. The project utilizes wooden panels, reinforced concrete, mineral wool, glass, volcanic tuff, geotextile, and waterproofing membrane. These elements ensure durability and contribute to an overall visual language that aligns with themes of nature and sustainability.

Design Detail

A key feature of the design is the central garden, which includes a waterway. This element creates a sensory connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. It encourages visitors to appreciate the natural landscape while being in a controlled environment. The garden reinforces the theme of the project, acting as a hidden oasis waiting to be explored.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

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

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy