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Compressed Earth Blocks and Natural Timber Forming Sustainable Community Spaces in Arid Climates

Compressed Earth Blocks and Natural Timber Forming Sustainable Community Spaces in Arid Climates
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Utilizing compressed earth blocks and natural timber, the design creates a sustainable communal space that harmonizes with the desert environment while fostering social connections among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced compressed earth blocks to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a central Grand Majlis designed for flexible communal activities.
03
Incorporates passive ventilation strategies tailored for desert climates.
04
Integrates native flora into the landscaping for ecological support.
05
Employs a modular design that allows for reconfiguration based on community needs.

### Project Overview

ToGatherShip is situated in a desert landscape and is designed to foster community engagement through innovative spatial configurations and sustainable material usage. The concept is to create a versatile living environment that emphasizes the relationship between people and nature, incorporating traditional values alongside modern design principles. A notable feature is the Grand Majlis, a central gathering space that reflects cultural heritage and facilitates social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The project’s layout centers around a communal area conducive to social activities, enhancing the experience of hospitality. The structure layers both horizontally and vertically to accommodate diverse interactions while honoring traditional gathering practices. Breezeways and strategic openings, including clerestory windows, support natural ventilation and thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. This design promotes an adaptable and dynamic space that can easily adjust to varying uses while minimizing construction waste.

### Material Use and Environmental Considerations

The primary building material consists of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), selected for their local availability and energy-efficient properties. Complementary natural timber accents and glass panels create a warm aesthetic while ensuring adequate natural light and connection to the surrounding environment. This emphasis on locally sourced materials not only helps reduce the ecological footprint but also reinforces the project’s integration with the local ecosystem. Landscaping with native flora further enhances ecological harmony and supports local biodiversity, aligning with the overarching sustainability goals of the design.

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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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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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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