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Charred Wood Facade with Courtyard Design Enhancing Natural Ventilation in Residential Living

Charred Wood Facade with Courtyard Design Enhancing Natural Ventilation in Residential Living
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Constructed with a charred wood facade and designed around a central courtyard that optimizes natural ventilation, the residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional Emirati aesthetics and contemporary sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a combination of charred wooden shingles and local stone for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard designed to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the residence.
03
Features a cleverly designed bent A-frame structure that balances aesthetic appeal with functional resilience.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and reducing overall environmental impact.
05
The layout prioritizes flexible living spaces, allowing for adaptability as family needs evolve over time.

## Project Overview

Located in the UAE, the design reflects the essence of Emirati cultural heritage while meeting contemporary architectural standards. The project explores the traditional courtyard typology, aiming to create a living space that is sustainable and culturally resonant. This approach aligns with the philosophies of Ibn Khaldun, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between historical context and present needs.

## Architectural Typology

The design interprets the traditional courtyard house with a focus on passive climate control and the balance between social interaction and privacy. The structure's configuration allows for natural ventilation and temperature regulation, ensuring comfort in the desert climate. The layout promotes family-oriented living while facilitating social interactions in communal areas. The two-tiered spatial configuration integrates various levels to foster engagement while maintaining defined private spaces. Strategic overhangs provide shade and enhance climate management, contributing to overall user comfort and visual connections.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a selection of materials that reflect local practices while enhancing sustainability. Local stone forms a prominent part of the façade, improving thermal performance and honoring regional traditions. Concrete offers durability and adaptability, while glass and metal elements allow for natural light modulation and connectivity with the outdoors. Wood accents add warmth and texture, further enriching the domestic environment. Sustainable design considerations include solar orientation to maximize natural light and minimize energy consumption, along with water management systems such as rainwater harvesting.

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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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