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Adaptive Mashrabiyas and Natural Ventilation in a Modular Home Built with Insulated Clay Blocks

Adaptive Mashrabiyas and Natural Ventilation in a Modular Home Built with Insulated Clay Blocks
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Utilizing adaptive mashrabiyas and a solar chimney, this modular residence achieves environmental harmony and energy efficiency, serving as a contemporary family home designed for flexibility and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adaptive mashrabiyas for dynamic sun control and ventilation.
02
Integrates a solar chimney for enhanced natural airflow and passive cooling.
03
Constructed with insulated clay blocks to maximize thermal efficiency.
04
Features a modular design that allows for future expansion without major renovations.
05
Employs renewable energy solutions, including integrated solar panels.

## Overview

Located in an environmentally sensitive area, the House of Future presents a modern approach to residential architecture that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and integration with its surroundings. The design focuses on modularity, allowing individual components to respond effectively to local climate conditions while enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Key features include advanced natural ventilation systems and renewable energy technologies that collectively support an eco-friendly lifestyle.

## Spatial and Ventilation Strategy

The building's spatial layout is organized to facilitate social interaction while retaining personal privacy. The ground floor comprises communal living areas that encourage engagement with natural surroundings, while the upper levels provide private quarters with terraces that offer scenic views. A notable aspect is the incorporation of windcatchers and solar chimneys, which enhance natural ventilation by leveraging prevailing winds and facilitating thermal buoyancy. This approach significantly reduces reliance on conventional heating and cooling systems.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Composition

Material selection is integral to the project's performance and visual appeal. Insulated clay blocks form the primary structural elements, offering robust thermal insulation while minimizing energy consumption. The façade employs a mix of finishes, including reflective render treatments that reduce heat absorption. Adaptive mashrabiyas, designed from lightweight materials, serve not only as dynamic sun screens but also contribute to the building's aesthetic by casting varied light patterns throughout the day. This thoughtful combination of materials and design elements underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and innovative architectural expression.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 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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