Call of the Sea - €8,000 - Registration Deadline 09 October 2026
Oct 9, 2025
2 min read
Updated: May 17
Imagine a village where there is no land. No paved roads, no soil underfoot—just the rhythmic pulse of the tides beneath wooden planks. This is Torosiaje, a remarkable Bajau settlement in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Call of the Sea architecture competition isn’t asking for the next five-star glass resort. Instead, it’s a challenge to design something much more profound: a bridge between two worlds.
PRIZE FUND: 8,000 €
1ST PLACE: 3,000 €
2ND PLACE: 2,000 €
3RD PLACE: 1,000 €
5 Golden Mention: Coupon for a Free Membership*
10 Honourable Mentions: Coupon for a Free Competition*
* The total of the mentioned coupons is 2,000 €
DATE:
Closing date for project submission: 09 October 2026 - 14:00 (London Time)
Announcement of the winners: 09 November 2026 - 11:00 (London Time)
PARTICIPANT: Everyone (No professional qualifications required)
COST*: 69 €**
**Subscribe from €19/month for unlimited access to multiple competitions.
The goal isn't just to provide a bed for the night; it’s to create a space where visitors don't just "watch" the Bajau culture, but actually breathe it.
Architecture as a "Bridge"
In many tourist destinations, hotels act as bubbles that separate travellers from locals. This competition flips that script. Participants are encouraged to think about how a building can help the local economy and preserve cultural identity.
Whether it’s a single structure or a cluster of floating modules, the design needs to facilitate meaningful interaction. Maybe the guests learn to weave nets, or perhaps the kitchen is designed to share a meal with a neighbour.
The Three Pillars of the Challenge
To win this, designers need to look beyond the blueprint and into the water.
Sustainability is Mandatory: You’re building on a fragile marine ecosystem. Traditional "luxury" amenities like massive AC units or heavy concrete foundations won't work here.
Local Materials: The Bajau have lived here for generations, using what the environment provides. How can modern design elevate local timber, bamboo, or weaving techniques?
The Rhythm of Water: The sea isn't just a view; it’s the floor, the transport system, and the lifeblood of the community. The architecture must respect the tides.
Why It Matters
The Bajau people are often called "Sea Nomads." Their way of life is one of the most unique on the planet, but it faces pressure from the modern world. By designing thoughtful, small-scale hospitality, architects have the chance to show that tourism can be a force for preservation rather than destruction.
If you’ve ever wanted to prove that great architecture doesn't need a skyscraper to be "grand," this is your canvas. It’s time to listen to the water.
"The challenge lies in interpreting the spirit of the place—proposing a design that balances environmental sensitivity with architectural quality"
