Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

3d-Printed Concrete and Vertical Slats Enhance Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Home Design

3d-Printed Concrete and Vertical Slats Enhance Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Home Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing 3D-printed concrete and vertical slats to optimize natural cooling, the design creates a sustainable family home that respects the harsh climatic conditions of Dubai while integrating traditional courtyard elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 3D-printed concrete to reduce construction time and waste.
02
Features vertical slats for enhanced natural ventilation while minimizing heat gain.
03
Utilizes native, drought-resistant plants in the central courtyard to support local ecology.
04
Employs a double-skin roof design to improve thermal insulation.
05
Designed with a courtyard layout to promote social interaction and privacy simultaneously.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the project addresses the environmental challenges of the region by integrating sustainable design principles with traditional Arabic architecture. The intent is to create a living environment that merges modern functionality with cultural heritage while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This project emphasizes the importance of passive design strategies and material innovation to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.

### Spatial Strategy and Natural Cooling

Central to the design is a courtyard layout, a traditional element of Arabic homes, intended to promote both social interaction and effective natural cooling. Bedrooms and windows are oriented toward the courtyard to maximize privacy while reducing direct sunlight exposure, thereby minimizing heat gain. The overall architectural form serves as a protective barrier against harsh desert conditions, allowing for optimal use of interior space. The central courtyard not only acts as a communal area but also employs vegetation that is low-maintenance and climate-resilient, fostering a microclimate that enhances the overall living experience.

### Materiality and Construction Efficiency

The project utilizes 3D-printed concrete to facilitate complex geometries and enhance construction efficiency while reducing weight. Walls are designed with hollow sections filled with local sand for improved thermal stability. The incorporation of double-skin roofing, made from energy-reflective materials, helps maintain thermal comfort by preventing heat infiltration into the living spaces. The structural integrity of the building is ensured through strategically placed steel reinforcement, which addresses both tensile and compressive forces.

By emphasizing a combination of enduring material choices and innovative design, the project seeks not only to provide shelter but also to promote sustainability, reduce energy costs, and support local economies through the use of local materials and advanced construction techniques.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Celebrating Visionary Design: The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026 celebrates visionary unbuilt architectural projects that explore creativity and innovation. Open to architects, designers, and students worldwide, the competition welcomes submissions 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).

With a total prize fund of €100,000, each category winner receives €20,000, alongside student prizes of €5,000 and a €10,000 Best Presentation Award. Winners will also be featured internationally and presented with the Continuum Trophy designed by Germans Ermičs.

Registration runs from 31 October 2025 to 23 September 2026, with submissions due by 20 October 2026 and results announced on 1 December 2026. More information is available at architecturecompetitions.com 

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
Final registration deadline 23 September 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 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