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Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasize Cultural Privacy in Modern Residential Design

Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasize Cultural Privacy in Modern Residential Design
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles for aesthetic and thermal comfort, the design prioritizes cultural privacy through a thoughtful arrangement of flexible spaces, culminating in a residence that adapts to modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes natural ventilation and light penetration.
04
Employs a central courtyard to foster privacy while connecting interior spaces to nature.
05
Adapts to occupant needs through movable walls and flexible room configurations.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future represents a significant advancement in residential architecture, merging traditional vernacular influences with contemporary design principles. The project focuses on personalization, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity, allowing residents to create customized living environments that respect local heritage while addressing modern needs.

### Spatial Configuration and User Adaptability

The design prioritizes flexibility and privacy, key elements in the context of Islamic culture. A ground floor layout integrates spaces for living, dining, and cooking around a central courtyard, fostering connections between indoor and outdoor areas. This approach encourages natural ventilation through innovative earth ducts, aligning with traditional cooling methods. The first floor features modular room arrangements that support both social interaction and individual privacy, with greenery strategically placed to enhance the living experience.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies

A range of carefully selected materials imparts a unique character to the residence. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while wood and natural stone reflect local aesthetics. Glass elements facilitate an interaction with the surrounding environment, enhancing natural light within the spaces. The project also employs fabric canopies for shading, blending traditional methods with modern advancements. Environmental strategies include earth cooling techniques and the incorporation of greenery, designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce the ecological footprint. The house is constructed with the foresight of potential future expansions, ensuring adaptability to changing family dynamics over time.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 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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