Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Glass Create Sustainable Living in Dubai's Modern Residential Design

Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Glass Create Sustainable Living in Dubai's Modern Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing charred wooden shingles and UV laminated glass, this contemporary residence in Dubai harmonizes traditional materials with modern sustainability practices to create an efficient and adaptable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for effective thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard for natural cooling and ventilation.
04
Adapts a bent A-frame design for enhanced aesthetics and functionality.
05
Promotes energy efficiency through strategically placed solar panels.

## Overview

The House of the Future is situated in Al Quoz, Dubai, where it integrates contemporary architectural concepts with elements of local cultural heritage. Spanning approximately 450 m², the design is tailored to meet the specific needs of residents while successfully addressing the climatic conditions of the region. The project emphasizes a balance between private and communal spaces, fostering both personal comfort and social engagement.

## Spatial Configuration

### Functional Layout

The architectural design encompasses three levels, each with distinct functions. The ground floor (150 m²) includes private areas such as gender-segregated Majlis and kitchen spaces, enhancing communal interaction. The first floor (86 m²) features expansive living and dining areas that are saturated with natural light and complemented by terraces, offering relaxation spaces while maintaining a level of privacy. The second floor (160 m²) primarily serves as a private sleeping area, designed with accessibility in mind through strategically placed stairs and ventilation features.

### Ventilation and Climate Adaptation

Natural ventilation is a central theme of the design. Each room is equipped with dual-walled windows to facilitate cross-ventilation, complemented by a central courtyard that enhances airflow and daylight penetration. This passive cooling strategy minimizes reliance on mechanical air conditioning. A wind tower, inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, further aids in regulating indoor temperatures and air circulation, contributing to a comfortable living environment.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices reflect a commitment to both local heritage and sustainability. Key materials include dry mix for thermal insulation, UV laminated glass to improve energy efficiency, and aluminum for its recyclability and reduced carbon footprint. Wood is utilized for shading screens, preserving aesthetic quality while contributing to energy efficiency. These materials are locally sourced to ensure lower life-cycle costs and resilience against the region's heat and humidity, effectively enhancing the home’s sustainability profile.

This project also incorporates an innovative hybrid energy system, utilizing solar panels and the potential for geothermal heating. The design anticipates future needs by allowing for vertical expansions through prefabricated materials, aligning with evolving lifestyle requirements while minimizing environmental impact.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy