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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Ventilated Spaces in a Desert Home

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Ventilated Spaces in a Desert Home
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by cross-ventilation, the villa seamlessly merges lush micro-gardens within a climate-responsive design to provide an adaptive residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
The villa features cross-ventilated spaces that promote natural cooling throughout the interior.
03
Integrated micro-gardens in private areas support biodiversity and improve air quality.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability while increasing light penetration.
05
Materials were sourced locally to reduce environmental impact and support regional industry.

### Overview

The Hanging Gardens Villa is situated in a hot, arid climate and aims to integrate natural elements within the living environment. The design combines sustainable practices with modern aesthetics, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern architectural traditions. By focusing on the incorporation of greenery into every aspect of the structure, the project emphasizes environmental stewardship while providing functional living spaces.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The villa's layout consists of distinct zones, separating private areas such as bedrooms from communal living spaces. This arrangement supports a balance of privacy and interaction, facilitated through shared courtyards and terraces. The design employs a central courtyard that enhances cross-ventilation and promotes social engagement among residents. Large, open living areas transition fluidly into one another, minimizing rigid spatial definitions and reinforcing a sense of adaptability.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

Material choices are integral to the villa's design, with a focus on both structural integrity and ecological impact. Concrete serves as the primary construction material, providing essential support. Metal screens allow light while enhancing privacy and shading, complementing extensive use of glass, which connects interior spaces with the surrounding gardens. Wood is incorporated in partition walls and furnishings, adding warmth to the otherwise stark environment.

Sustainability is a core consideration in the design. Cross-ventilation strategies facilitate natural cooling, while integrated gardens contribute to biodiversity and microclimate regulation. Water efficiency techniques, such as the use of clay pillows for evaporative cooling, reflect a commitment to resource management and align with traditional cooling methods. The design ultimately addresses the challenges of the local climate, ensuring energy-efficient solutions that enhance the overall living experience.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

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Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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