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Charred Wood Shingles and Thermal Insulation in a Family-Focused Residence

Charred Wood Shingles and Thermal Insulation in a Family-Focused Residence
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Incorporating charred wood shingles and advanced thermal insulation, this residence offers a culturally attuned solution for family living in Dubai's challenging climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to address local water scarcity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with operable facades to maximize natural ventilation and minimize cooling costs.
05
Includes a traditional maḥjil to foster community and family interactions.

**Overview**
Bayt Al-Zephyr, located in Dubai, exemplifies an architectural approach that integrates sustainability with the region's cultural and historical contexts. The design focuses on addressing the challenges posed by the arid climate of the Emirates, while simultaneously respecting traditional Emirati values. This project aims to create an environment that balances modern living with eco-friendly practices, reflecting the community's heritage and aspirations.

**Spatial and Community Integration**
The layout of Bayt Al-Zephyr is characterized by a courtyard-style arrangement that fosters social interaction while ensuring privacy, a key aspect of Emirati life. The inclusion of a maḥjil, a traditional reception area, emphasizes the importance of community gatherings and cultural traditions. The design prioritizes multi-generational living, featuring private suites alongside communal spaces, which align with familial structures prevalent in local culture.

**Material Selection and Climate Responsiveness**
The materiality of Bayt Al-Zephyr has been carefully curated to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Reinforced concrete provides stability, while thermal insulation panels enhance energy efficiency. Glass facades are designed to maximize natural light and manage heat influx, complemented by wooden accents that connect with traditional craftsmanship. Climate-adaptive features, such as operable facades and sun-controlling louvers, facilitate natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system underscores the project's commitment to sustainability in a water-scarce environment.

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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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