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Earth Wall Construction with Adaptive Shading and Integrated Native Landscaping

Earth Wall Construction with Adaptive Shading and Integrated Native Landscaping
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An earth wall forms the backbone of a sustainable residence that utilizes adaptive shading and integrates indigenous landscaping to create a comfortable family home in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
An earth wall provides thermal mass and natural cooling, adapting to Dubai’s climate.
02
Retractable solar fabric panels dynamically adjust for optimal shading throughout the day.
03
Integrated indigenous landscaping enhances biodiversity and reduces water usage.
04
The Intelligent Wind & Light Tower captures natural breezes, minimizing reliance on air conditioning.
05
Openable glass elements maximize natural light and ventilation while connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, this family home is designed as a sustainable and eco-friendly residence integrating advanced technologies with a focus on creating a livable micro-climate. The intent of the design is to enhance comfort while respecting the surrounding environment, establishing a forward-looking concept that addresses both ecological and cultural considerations prevalent in the region.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The residence features a multi-level layout that promotes interaction among family members, with communal spaces—such as the living room, family hub, and kitchen—situated on the ground floor, while private sleeping areas are located above. This arrangement fosters connectivity and enhances the overall living experience. Additionally, the design encourages community engagement through the clustering of units to form neighborhoods, complete with shared gardens and pathways that facilitate social interaction among residents. A “Home Garden” is included within the design to promote agricultural sustainability and enhance community wellness.

### Material and Environmental Strategy

The home employs a selection of materials that reflect sustainability objectives and regional context. Earthy textured concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing thermal regulation and strength. Solar cell fabric panels are utilized in retractable shade structures, adapting dynamically to varying sunlight conditions. Openable glass elements optimize natural ventilation and allow natural light to penetrate the interior, while indigenous plants, such as *Azadirachta indica* (Neem tree), are integrated into the landscaping to enhance biodiversity and provide essential shading.

The design incorporates innovative features to address the local climatic challenges, including an “Intelligent Wind & Light Tower” that utilizes sensors to harness natural cooling from ambient winds. Retractable sunshades further enhance energy efficiency by adapting to sunlight angles, significantly reducing reliance on air conditioning and promoting a more sustainable living environment.

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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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