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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Desert Living

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Desert Living
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this residential structure offers a sustainable solution tailored for the arid climate of the UAE, seamlessly blending modern living with traditional design elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce construction waste and carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural ventilation and daylighting.
04
Includes integrated photovoltaic panels for self-sustaining energy generation.
05
Design emphasizes traditional Emirati elements while supporting modern living requirements.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design addresses the unique challenges of living in an arid environment while promoting sustainability and cultural relevance. The intent is to provide affordable and accessible housing that integrates modern living requirements with traditional Emirati architectural elements. Drawing inspiration from heritage features such as mashrabiya and courtyards, the design prioritizes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a blend of contemporary design with cultural motifs.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The house is organized into three distinct zones: the Day Zone, Night Zone, and Service Zone. The Day Zone includes communal areas, promoting social interaction, while the Night Zone offers privacy through a linear arrangement of bedrooms. The Service Zone accommodates utility spaces, ensuring functionality without intruding upon the living areas. Variably sized courtyards are strategically incorporated, allowing natural light and airflow to permeate the structure, thereby enhancing the inhabitants' experience while maintaining privacy.

### Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

The project employs a combination of locally sourced materials and modern construction methods. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is utilized for floor slabs and wall panels, reflecting sustainability through renewable resources. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) enhance basement insulation, while limestone panels on the façade provide durability with aesthetic appeal. The design incorporates photovoltaic panels for renewable energy and green roof systems for improved insulation and aesthetic integration with the environment. Additionally, construction techniques include prefabrication to reduce waste and the application of passive solar design principles to enhance natural ventilation, fostering an energy-efficient environment.

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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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