Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Wooden Sunshades Framing Natural Observatories Within Ecological Landscapes

Authors:
Giampiero Minniti, Lia Maenza
Wooden Sunshades Framing Natural Observatories Within Ecological Landscapes
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Set amidst rich ecological landscapes, wooden sunshades define a series of observatories designed for contemplation and interaction with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wooden sunshades enhance natural light control while offering shelter and visual interest.
02
Observatories are strategically positioned to maximize views of surrounding ecological features.
03
Vertical and horizontal layers are precisely dimensioned to balance structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
The integration of psammofila vegetation promotes biodiversity within the site.
05
The layout encourages interaction with varying landscape elements for an immersive experience.

The design emphasizes the concept of spontaneous aggregation, taking inspiration from psammofila vegetation to create a connection between built spaces and the natural world. Located in an area that features lagoons, arid dune vegetation, and tall trees, the project includes various observatories designed to foster a relationship with the environment. The overall aim is to blend architecture with its surroundings while providing spaces for observation and contemplation.

Design Organization

The site is organized around pathways that improve accessibility among different observatories. Each observatory varies in size, with Observatory 1 occupying 23.50 square meters, Observatory 2 at 17.70 square meters, Observatory 3 at 12.70 square meters, a Closet/WC at 8.00 square meters, and a Panoramic Terrace measuring 28.00 square meters. The total area comes to 61.90 square meters. This configuration enables users to navigate the space easily while engaging with the rich vegetation present.

Material Selection

The project utilizes wooden elements such as wooden sunshades and wooden floors to create a feeling of warmth and to connect with nature. These materials are chosen to enhance both the visual appeal and the practical aspects of the design. They help filter natural light and provide shelter against the elements while contributing to a softer aesthetic that aligns with the ecological setting.

Structural Composition

The design features a careful arrangement of vertical and horizontal layers. Vertical components measure 2.60 by 13.60, while horizontal layers measure 2.60 by 10.00. The lower closing elements are 13 by 10 cm, and the upper closing components are 13 by 20 cm. This precise dimensioning contributes to the stability of the structure while also allowing for an interesting visual experience that complements the overall design theme.

The observatories provide vantage points to engage with the natural surroundings. Light filters through the wooden sunshades, casting soft patterns inside. This creates spaces that are both welcoming and conducive to reflection, deepening the connection between users and their environment.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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