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Charred Wood Accents and Climate-Responsive Design in Contemporary Family Living

Charred Wood Accents and Climate-Responsive Design in Contemporary Family Living
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Employing charred wood accents and structural insulated panels, the design merges contemporary aesthetics with environmental sensitivity to create a family dwelling that enhances both communal living and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wood shingles that enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Incorporates structural insulated panels for improved energy efficiency and reduced construction time.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for effective rainwater management and natural ventilation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials to reinforce sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
05
Creates interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces that foster a sense of community and interaction.

## Project Overview

**Project Name:** ÜNÜMÜN House
**Location:** United Arab Emirates
The ÜNÜMÜN House reflects a modern residential architectural approach, underscored by a commitment to hospitality, comfort, and cultural sensitivity. The design philosophy is informed by the cultural significance of hospitality in the region, with the term "ÜNÜMÜN" capturing the essence of graciousness in welcoming guests. The layout is carefully orchestrated to balance private family spaces with areas for community gathering, integrating functional design with cultural values.

## Structural Design Elements

### Form and Massing

The architecture presents a modern aesthetic defined by clean lines and a deliberate massing strategy, composed of two principal volumes. The upper volume extends outward, creating shaded areas and an engaging facade while allowing for improved natural light penetration and ventilation. This vertical distinction enhances both visual interest and environmental performance.

### Spatial Arrangement

The ground floor incorporates communal spaces designed for interaction, including reception, dining, and living areas, all featuring expansive glass doors that transition seamlessly to outdoor environments. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to private family quarters, ensuring a retreat-like atmosphere through spatial separation from communal areas. This arrangement fosters a balanced lifestyle that accommodates both social interaction and personal privacy.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The material palette includes concrete, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), ceramic tiles, wood, drywall, and metal components, each selected for durability, thermal efficiency, and aesthetic warmth. The design responds to the UAE's climatic conditions, leveraging SIP panels for enhanced insulation and integrating passive solar principles that reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The plant selection in the landscaped areas features native species, reinforcing environmental sustainability and enhancing the sensory experience for residents and visitors.

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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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