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Dual-Skin Facade with Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber and Efficient Solar Roof Design

Dual-Skin Facade with Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber and Efficient Solar Roof Design
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The use of a dual-skin facade combined with sustainable cross-laminated timber and an integrated solar roof system creates a flexible and energy-efficient living environment designed to adapt to diverse household needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a dual-skin facade to enhance thermal performance and aesthetic flexibility.
02
Incorporates sustainable cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and rapid assembly.
03
Features an integrated solar roof system designed for off-grid energy efficiency.
04
Offers customizable facades tailored to individual resident preferences.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for durability and low maintenance.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the housing project addresses contemporary challenges in residential construction, particularly focusing on balancing mass production with individual customization and sustainability. The design seeks to create a functional prototype for future housing solutions that emphasizes affordability and adaptability, responding effectively to the evolving needs of urban living.

### Spatial Configuration and Sustainability

The project features a modular design that allows for flexible configurations based on family size and specific requirements. This adaptability is visually represented through standardized blocks that can be easily expanded or reduced. A distinctive dual-skin facade offers aesthetic variety—residents can choose from traditional Emirati, Mediterranean, or modern exteriors. A uniquely shaped roof, engineered for solar energy generation, also provides shaded outdoor spaces, enhancing both the building’s functionality and its energy efficiency.

### Material Selection and Economic Viability

Materials selected for construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Eco-friendly wood-based composites and plant-based rigid foam insulation enhance thermal performance while being easily sourced and environmentally responsible. Durable galvanized steel serves as the primary structural element, accompanied by cross-linked polyethylene pipes, chosen for their resilience. Basic unit costs range from approximately 60,000 AED for off-grid settings to about 540,000 AED for comprehensive on-grid configurations, facilitating inclusivity and affordability across diverse demographic groups.

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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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