This edition of Buildner’s Material Studies series challenges participants to design a Concrete Pavilion, a space that not only showcases the versatility and raw beauty of concrete, but also educates the public about its evolving applications. The pavilion should be designed as either a temporary or permanent structure, with a total area not exceeding 50 m². Participants are free to choose the site location, but are encouraged to consider contexts where the pavilion could generate a meaningful dialogue between material and place. 

The design must explore the sensory and tactile qualities of concrete: its textures, colors, finishes, and forms. Whether through cast-in-place elements, precast modules, or even experimental mixes with additives and aggregates, participants should stretch the limits of what concrete can do. The pavilion should serve as both a functional exhibition space and a sculptural object—one that sparks curiosity, provokes thought, and invites interaction.

Sustainability and innovation are key. While concrete has often been criticized for its environmental impact, recent advances offer pathways toward low-carbon and even carbon-neutral formulations. Participants are encouraged to incorporate sustainable strategies—through materials, methods, or messaging—into their proposals. The goal is not only to build with concrete, but to build better with it. 

Download the full competition brief for more information!  

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.