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Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Form a Central Courtyard Residence in a Cultural Landscape

Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Form a Central Courtyard Residence in a Cultural Landscape
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Utilizing charred wood shingles and natural stone, this residence enhances community interaction through a centrally located courtyard while respecting the cultural heritage of its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard designed to foster social interaction among residents.
04
Integrates traditional mashrabiya for shading and ventilation, maintaining cultural relevance.
05
Employs passive solar strategies to optimize natural light and energy efficiency.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the project addresses contemporary social and environmental challenges by merging traditional and modern architectural elements. Its objective is to create a living environment that encourages social interaction and reflects cultural identity while adhering to sustainable practices. The design framework not only emphasizes individual privacy but also fosters connections within the community, providing a robust response to urban sprawl and disconnection.

## Spatial Organization

The layout features a central courtyard at the heart of each residence, inspired by traditional Arab architecture. This design strategy facilitates a balance between communal and private spaces. Communal areas include a pool, majlis, and gardens, promoting social engagement. Private zones ensure family privacy while maintaining an interconnected spatial experience that cultivates a sense of belonging. This arrangement supports both communal activities and individual needs, offering flexible living arrangements for evolving family structures.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Locally sourced materials play a key role in the design, enhancing cultural resonance and supporting environmental sustainability. Concrete provides structural integrity, while extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and establishes a connection with outdoor spaces. Natural stone contributes to thermal comfort, and wood adds warmth to interiors. The incorporation of traditional mashrabiya not only provides functional shading but also enhances airflow and aesthetic continuity. This combination of materials reinforces the project's sustainability features, including a U-shaped design that minimizes sun exposure and promotes natural ventilation, aimed at reducing energy consumption.

The integration of landscaped areas with native plants and productive gardens further enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, supporting sustainable living practices while improving residents' quality of life.

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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.

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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