BLT Built Design Awards winners impress across architecture and design disciplines

Project Description: "‘ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof’ is a new spa and adult-exclusive wellness facility designed by Hadi Teherani Architects at the five-star Hotel Krallerhof in Leogang, Austria. Blending harmoniously into the surrounding Leoganger Steinberge mountain range and creating a year-round space for relaxation and regeneration, ‘ATMOSPHERE’ builds on the famous tradition of luxury accommodation and state-of-the-art leisure activities at Hotel Krallerhof, first opened by the Altenberger family in 1956. ‘ATMOSPHERE’ combines a 100m curved split-roof structure, an underground tunnel and sunken circular courtyard connected to the main hotel. A 5,500 m² natural lake with an inbuilt 50m Olympic-sized infinity pool, surrounded by an all-year, open-floor sun lounging space decked entirely in sustainably sourced Kebony wood, highlights the expanded suite of the world-class wellness facilities available across the resort. In combining locally sourced materials with cutting edge environmentally friendly products, ‘ATMOSPHERE’ delivers a beautiful contemporary healthcare and wellness experience, enhanced by themes of sustainability and healthy architecture."

Emerging Architect of the Year: Luxi Chen

Interior Design of the Year: WOSA Sintered Stone Showroom in Shanghai, China, by The Volks Design Research & Consulting Ltd.

Project Description: "In a repurposed 580m2 factory in Shanghai, this WOSA retail space surpasses conventional sintered stone showrooms by seamlessly blending art, architecture, and commerce to create an immersive experience. Visitors are greeted by distinct small buildings that showcase diverse stone materials and construction techniques. The entrance features a suspended translucent curtain crafted from white thin sintered stone slate. Inside, a black stone-clad sanctuary leads to a curved staircase enveloped in golden stone slates. A metallic VIP chamber with an intricately tiled wooden interior awaits, evoking the sensation of navigating through a diverse metropolis. Further exploration reveals a showroom without boundaries, where stone volumes seemingly float, mirrored ceilings reflect, and LED screens depict the story behind each material. Towards the end of the journey, visitors encounter stone sculpture serves as a bar counter, allowing visitors to convene and discuss incorporating these materials into their own spaces. This WOSA showroom elevates stone tiles to the realm of art by showcasing array of materials and seamlessly merging aesthetics, craftsmanship, and spatial exploration."

Emerging Interior Designer of the Year: Sonal Aggarwal

Landscape Architecture of the Year: Benjakitti Forest Park in Bangkok, Thailand, by Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect + TURENSCAPE

Project Description: "Benjakitti Park, an urban oasis in Bangkok, was developed on the site of a former tobacco factory, spanning 720,000 sq.m. It serves as an educational hub focused on ecology, hydrology, and the environment. The park retains 128,000 cu.m. of rainwater, the urban runoff and sewage purified through bioremediation, producing 1,600 cu.m. of clean water daily. Addressing floods and droughts using nature-based solutions and inspired by traditional Thai agricultural wisdom, it acts as a 'sponge,' absorbing and releasing water as needed. The park provides a thriving wildlife habitat, housing 360 tree species and attracting over 169 bird species and various insects, transforming former swampland into a rich ecosystem. Sustainable techniques are incorporated throughout, including the reuse of materials and the repurposing of old factory buildings for museums and sports centers. Benjakitti Forest Park exemplifies sustainable design and construction practices, setting a model for urban development while creating a safe and vibrant space for the community and its wildlife. Accessible to all, it offers a diverse, nature-centric experience, functioning as a biodiverse classroom for city dwellers."

Emerging Landscape Architect of the Year: Cheng-Wei Lee

Construction Product Design of the Year: System 02 by The Backcountry Hut Company

Project Description: "The System 02 is a two-story prefabricated structure that revolutionizes traditional building processes with its comprehensive kit-of-parts assembly system. Designed to streamline construction, specifically for remote locations, it includes all necessary structural, wall, floor, roof, window, and cladding elements delivered flat-packed to the site for efficient on-site assembly. Built for durability, minimal environmental impact, and aesthetic appeal, this cabin utilizes FSC-certified Canadian wood and responsibly sourced materials. It incorporates Rockwool insulation, Douglas Fir glulam timber frames, and prefabricated panels for structural integrity and exceptional durability. The System 02 stands out as one of the most versatile cabin kits available, with a modular approach that allows it to be configured in multiple ways and sizes, ideal for individuals, families, or larger groups. With more than 25 installations across Canada and the US, ranging from 691 sq ft to 1826 sq ft, this cabin can be completed in just 4-6 weeks. Its assembly time exemplifies the efficiency of modern modular building techniques, representing a significant advancement in traditional methods."