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Biomimetic Structure Featuring GRC Panels and Traditional Sandalwood Enhancing Community Living

Biomimetic Structure Featuring GRC Panels and Traditional Sandalwood Enhancing Community Living
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Incorporating GRC panels and sandalwood elements, the design blends biomimetic principles with modular units to create a sustainable community housing initiative that fosters social interaction and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes GRC panels, allowing for customizable facades that enhance aesthetic value while maintaining structural integrity.
02
Sandalwood is integrated into mashrabiya features, providing both cultural significance and natural ventilation.
03
Biomimetic design principles are applied, drawing inspiration from local flora for optimal resource allocation.
04
Modular housing units promote adaptability for various family structures, accommodating evolving lifestyle needs.
05
The inclusion of diverse landscaping features supports local biodiversity and integrates ecological functions into the living environment.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project is designed to enhance community cohesion while integrating contemporary architectural practices with the region's cultural heritage. It balances the demands of modern living with sustainable design principles, drawing on the social fabric and historical context of Emirati life. The design introduces open spaces, biomimicry, and modular layouts, creating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally viable.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design prioritizes open spaces, incorporating linear gardens and communal areas that promote social interactions among residents while addressing ecological concerns. Linear gardens serve as both environmental filters and social hubs, improving air quality and encouraging community engagement. Medium-sized gardens function as recreational gathering points, fostering communal life during cooler evening hours. Small gardens reflect traditional Emirati courtyard designs, providing spaces for relaxation, socializing, and cultural practices.

### Materiality and Sustainable Features
The construction employs a diverse material palette that aligns aesthetics with functional requirements. Glass Reinforced Concrete Panels (GRC) are utilized for their durability and design versatility. Sandalwood features enhance both traditional relevance and visual depth, while rammed earth contributes to eco-friendly building practices. Lygustrum texanum is incorporated into green walls to enrich biodiversity and provide thermal insulation. The landscape design includes palm and yucca plants that enhance visual appeal and contribute to a sustainable environment.

The integration of biomimicry plays a crucial role in the architectural strategy, with housing units inspired by the structural growth patterns of plants. This approach facilitates flexibility and adaptability to residents' changing needs. A modular design principle allows customization of living spaces, catering to various family structures and future adaptations, while centralized systems enhance energy efficiency and climate control.

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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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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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