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Brass Accents and Circular Forms Elevate Sustainable Living in Desert Housing

Brass Accents and Circular Forms Elevate Sustainable Living in Desert Housing
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Circular forms integrated with brass accents and sustainable materials define a residential space that prioritizes environmental sensitivity while fostering community interaction in a harsh desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular forms enhance natural airflow throughout the living spaces.
02
Brass elements provide durability while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
03
Integrated green spaces promote biodiversity and outdoor engagement.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction waste and enhance insulation.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient water runoff in arid conditions.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the "Orbis" project investigates the intersection of historical architectural principles and contemporary living standards, aiming to create a space that not only serves as shelter but also enhances community interaction and individual well-being. The design philosophy acknowledges that architectural narratives from the past inform future aspirations, resulting in a structure that integrates memory with functional living spaces while addressing environmental sustainability.

## Spatial Strategy

The organization of space within "Orbis" is meticulously planned to facilitate both community engagement and personal privacy. The ground floor is designated for communal activities, featuring flexible areas that can accommodate gatherings and workshops, fostering social cohesion among residents. The first floor balances semi-private family spaces with open-plan layouts that invite interaction without compromising individual retreats. The upper level is reserved for private use, ensuring that personal space is preserved while remaining visually connected to the communal areas below. This nuanced approach to spatial arrangement promotes a harmonious living environment, enhancing resident experience.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials in "Orbis" is driven by principles of sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Concrete serves as a robust structural element, whereas extensive use of glass fosters natural light and visual connectivity, promoting openness. Interior spaces feature wood finishes that impart warmth and texture, while brass accents provide visual contrast and dynamic reflections. Furthermore, the design incorporates sustainable features such as solar energy systems and rainwater harvesting, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsiveness. Landscape integration further supports biodiversity and outdoor interaction, enhancing the overall living experience in alignment with the climatic context of Dubai.

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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.

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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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