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Cooling Oasis Created with Natural Stone and Climate-Responsive Design in Arid Desert Setting

Cooling Oasis Created with Natural Stone and Climate-Responsive Design in Arid Desert Setting
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Incorporating sustainable stone and traditional wind catchers, the design addresses the intense desert climate while creating a functional family residence that emphasizes an indoor-outdoor flow.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind catchers for passive cooling.
02
Incorporates a central water oasis for microclimate enhancement.
03
Integrates shaded courtyards to promote outdoor living.
04
Employs local stone materials for structural longevity.
05
Features balconies designed for children’s play areas.

## Project Overview

Located in the Great Sandy Desert of Rub’ al Khali, Dunes House is designed to harmonize modern functionality with cultural heritage. The architectural composition is characterized by a central square motif that reflects both traditional influences and meticulous planning.

### Environmental Responsiveness and User Experience

Incorporating elements intrinsic to Middle Eastern architecture, such as wind catchers, mashrabiyas, and qanats, Dunes House emphasizes sustainable design practices that facilitate natural ventilation and cooling. The layout promotes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring an open-air courtyard and shaded areas that provide privacy while enhancing comfort. Integrated water features serve as both cooling elements and aesthetic focal points, fostering an inviting environment conducive to family interaction and outdoor activities.

### Material Selection and Structural Considerations

The construction materials chosen for Dunes House underscore both cultural significance and practical viability. Stone serves as the primary building material, offering durability suited for the desert climate, while concrete provides necessary structural integrity. The strategic use of glass enhances natural light penetration and facilitates transparency in the facade. Additionally, shaded roofs and covered courtyards are incorporated to reduce solar gain, supporting the project's sustainability goals.

The house's configuration spans 21 m by 23 m with a total residential area of 377 m², encompassing a ground level with communal living spaces and essential service areas, and an upper level dedicated to private quarters, including four bedrooms and balconies designed for children’s outdoor play.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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