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Central Courtyard with Solar Panels Enhances Sustainable Living in Contemporary Family Home

Central Courtyard with Solar Panels Enhances Sustainable Living in Contemporary Family Home
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Emphasizing sustainability through the integration of solar panels and a central courtyard, the design redefines family living in a contemporary context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard designed for natural ventilation and family interaction.
02
Merging of traditional mashrabiya screens with modern privacy solutions.
03
Rooftop pavilions create versatile outdoor living spaces.
04
Use of bamboo flooring as a sustainable and aesthetic choice.
05
Solar panels integrated seamlessly into the roof design for energy efficiency.

# Analytical Report on "Dar Altanwir" – House of Enlightenment

## Project Overview
"Dar Altanwir," meaning "House of Enlightenment," is located in Dubai, a city at the intersection of tradition and modernity. Intended for a family of four, the residence embodies Emirati cultural elements while integrating contemporary living needs. The design balances regional architectural heritage with modern construction methodologies, establishing a framework for innovative housing solutions within an evolving urban context.

## Spatial Organization
The house features a deliberate spatial arrangement that emphasizes both communal and private areas. At its center lies a 6-meter setback leading to a landscaped courtyard, serving as the focal point and facilitating natural light and ventilation throughout the home. Areas are thoughtfully zoned, enabling functional separation while fostering engagement. Key spaces include a Majlis for visitor reception adjacent to family-oriented environments such as living rooms, a home theater, and private bedrooms. This organization not only enhances interaction among occupants but also respects individual privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to both aesthetics and sustainability. The use of durable marble in public areas and easy-to-maintain porcelain tiles in kitchens highlights practicality. Bamboo flooring in bedrooms adds a natural element, emphasizing ecological considerations. The integration of solar panels on rooftop pavilions exhibits an approach to renewable energy, aligning with modern sustainability practices. The construction employs a hybrid of prefabricated modular systems, combining efficiency with high-quality outcomes, positioning the project as an exemplar of forward-thinking residential architecture.

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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.

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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