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 Earth Materials and Traditional Water Channels in Arid Residential Design

3d-Printed Earth Materials and Traditional Water Channels in Arid Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing 3D-printed earth materials and a qanat system for water management, the design integrates traditional elements with modern sustainable practices to create a functional residential space in an arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed earth materials for energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a traditional qanat system for sustainable water management.
03
Features open courtyards to facilitate natural ventilation.
04
Employs a modular design for flexible living spaces.
05
Integrates a double façade inspired by local mashrabiya for privacy and shade.

### Overview

Wadi House is situated in the Arabian Peninsula, an area characterized by extreme climatic conditions that demand innovative architectural solutions. The design integrates modern principles with local environmental and cultural contexts, promoting both comfort and sustainability in residential living. The name "Wadi," which translates to riverbed in Arabic, reflects the intent to create a sense of movement and connection within the arid landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Focus

Central to the Wadi House design are natural courtyards that serve as communal spaces, facilitating family interactions and a sense of community. The layout is modular, allowing for future flexibility and growth, thus meeting the evolving needs of its residents. Traditional elements, such as a Majlis, are incorporated to honor local heritage while embracing contemporary design, creating spaces that support social cohesion.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Wadi House employs a range of sustainable materials, including 3D-printed earth-based components that offer thermal mass and eco-friendliness. Solar panels are integrated into the structure for renewable energy generation, while local timber contributes to the authenticity of the design and minimizes transportation emissions. Porous concrete used in the walls enhances airflow, creating a more conducive indoor climate.

The design features a double façade inspired by mashrabiya, which provides shade and privacy while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the surrounding environment. Advanced water management systems, including an integrated qanat, help collect and utilize rainwater efficiently. The thoughtful positioning of the building maximizes natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and ensuring a comfortable indoor climate year-round.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 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
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
new
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026
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
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

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

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 2026
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

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