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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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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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