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Breathing Blocks and Sustainable Innovation in a Mountainous Environment

Authors:
Abdelrahman Elmansoury, Turki Asiri, Sultan Abdulsattar, Khalid Al Zahrani
Breathing Blocks and Sustainable Innovation in a Mountainous Environment
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Utilizing breathing blocks to enhance indoor air quality, the design effectively captures solar energy while integrating a gray water recycling system, serving mixed-use functions in the mountainous landscape of Taif.
5 key facts about this project
01
Breathing blocks enhance indoor air quality by efficiently absorbing pollutants.
02
The southern façade is optimized for solar energy capture to reduce heat loads.
03
A gray water recycling system repurposes wastewater for irrigation purposes.
04
Tensile cladding made from pvdf fabric contributes to lightweight design elements.
05
Strategic balcony setbacks create shading and minimize heat exposure inside.

The Bathra Tower is located in Taif, Saudi Arabia, an area known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. The tower serves multiple purposes, blending with the mountain backdrop of Mount Bathra. Its design draws from the local geography, making it a part of the region while focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Sustainability Features

The Bathra Tower prioritizes sustainability through various innovative design elements. Breathing blocks are used within the building to absorb pollutants, improving indoor air quality. This feature plays a crucial role in managing air pollution, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone inside.

The building also incorporates a gray water recycling system. This system repurposes water from sinks and showers for irrigation, supporting efforts to conserve water. By utilizing wastewater in this manner, the tower reduces its ecological impact and showcases its commitment to sustainable practices.

Energy Efficiency Strategies

The southern façade of the building is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Research shows that this facade can effectively capture solar energy, which helps to lessen heat in the building. Balconies are thoughtfully positioned with a two-meter setback that provides shade, further protecting interior spaces from excessive heat.

Wind Management

Wind conditions are another important consideration in the design of the Bathra Tower. Analysis indicates that the western façade faces the most wind exposure. To address this, a secondary façade is added to shield the structure from wind, helping to create a more comfortable environment for occupants.

The tower features pvdf fabric for its tensile cladding. This material is lightweight yet strong, allowing for flexible design options that align with the overall vision of the project. The combination of these elements results in a building that is both functional and connected to its natural surroundings.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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