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3d Printed Panels and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Family Living

3d Printed Panels and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Family Living
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Incorporating 3D printed panels and traditional wind-catchers, the design creates a sustainable family home that harmonizes cultural heritage with modern efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 3D printed architectural elements for design flexibility.
02
Utilizes wind-catchers for natural ventilation and cooling.
03
Features a central courtyard to promote family interaction.
04
Constructed with modular pre-cast panels for efficient assembly.
05
Integrates local stonework to enhance regional identity.

### Overview

The 80x80 Grid Home is designed in the United Arab Emirates with a focus on sustainable living that harmonizes modern architectural practices with cultural heritage. Its modular structure allows for flexibility and adaptability, catering to the changing dynamics of family life over time. This residence is informed by traditional Emirati concepts, particularly the Majlis, which serves as a central gathering space, fostering both social interaction and family privacy.

### Spatial Organization and Accessibility

The spatial configuration of the home features a thoughtful zoning strategy that differentiates public and private spaces while enhancing accessibility. The ground floor is centered around a courtyard that integrates indoor and outdoor areas, facilitating natural ventilation and cooling. Key living spaces, including the living room, dining room, and Majlis, are designed for inclusivity, with wide doorways and ramps that accommodate all family members.

On the upper floor, private areas like bedrooms emphasize tranquility while maintaining a connection to communal spaces through open galleries overlooking the courtyard. This layout supports both individual privacy and family interaction, reflecting a balance between personal retreat and social engagement.

### Material and Sustainable Practices

The construction utilizes a variety of sustainable materials to enhance both durability and environmental responsibility. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while 3D printed panels featuring geometric patterns contribute to aesthetic appeal and thermal insulation. Natural stone is incorporated in the façade to enhance local authenticity, and strategically placed glass elements maximize natural light and energy efficiency.

Sustainability is further advanced through technologies such as wind-catchers for passive cooling, solar panels to reduce energy consumption, and green roofs that promote insulation and biodiversity. These design choices exemplify a commitment to ecological balance, integrating innovative features that respond to the climatic conditions of the region while minimizing the ecological impact.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete 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). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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