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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a harmonious blend of sustainability and functionality in a versatile community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant exterior while enhancing visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a robust structure with reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and natural light distribution.
04
The landscape integrates native planting to promote local biodiversity and sustainability.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate various community activities and events.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the housing community design addresses the specific climatic challenges and social dynamics of the region. The intent is to create a sustainable residential environment that promotes community interaction while prioritizing energy efficiency and privacy. This approach facilitates a reexamination of traditional housing models within the context of modern urban living.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

The layout encourages social interaction through shared spaces, prominently featuring central gardens and traditional Sikka pathways. These communal gardens provide shaded areas for residents to engage and connect with one another, while Sikka pathways enhance circulation and natural ventilation, reflecting local cultural heritage. The arrangement of residential units ensures a balance between privacy and accessibility, with a strategic setback of three meters from property boundaries aligned with Dubai's Building Code, facilitating both residential comfort and community connectivity.

### Climate Adaptation and Material Selection

The design incorporates various strategies to respond effectively to Dubai's harsh climate. Building orientation along a north-south axis minimizes exposure to direct sunlight and mitigates overheating, while earth cooling tubes contribute to natural ventilation, optimizing airflow through strategically placed openings. Material selection is also critical, with options such as AAC blocks and lightweight, reflective surfaces employed to enhance thermal performance and reduce heat absorption. The use of sustainable materials, including vapor barriers and insulation boards, further enhances the overall resilience and energy efficiency of the structures.

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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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