Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Harnessing Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation for Energy Efficiency

Author:
Maria Englezou
Harnessing Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation for Energy Efficiency
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing thermal mass and stack ventilation, the design optimizes energy efficiency while ensuring indoor comfort in a residence situated in the East Mediterranean climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates thermal mass with concrete and masonry for effective temperature control.
02
Utilizes stack ventilation to enhance natural airflow throughout the residence.
03
Features solar glazing for passive winter heating while minimizing summer heat gain.
04
Includes calculated shading devices to balance light and temperature year-round.
05
Places photovoltaic panels at a 50-degree angle for optimal energy collection.

"Form Follows the Sun" is located in the East Mediterranean Region and focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency. The design works with the local environment by using passive solar strategies. The aim is to create comfortable indoor spaces while minimizing energy consumption. By prioritizing natural resources, the building responds well to its specific climate.

Thermal Mass Integration

The building uses thermal mass through materials like concrete, masonry, and adobe. These materials absorb heat during the day and release it at night, maintaining stable temperatures inside. This reduces the need for heating or cooling systems. By optimizing the use of these materials, the design supports energy efficiency.

Natural Ventilation

Openings in the building are placed to promote natural ventilation. Lower openings bring in cool air from outside. Higher openings allow warm air to escape. This creates a stack effect that encourages airflow throughout the space. As a result, indoor comfort is improved without relying heavily on mechanical systems.

Solar Design Features

The design incorporates various solar strategies suitable for each season. Overhangs block excessive sunlight in the summer, helping to keep the interiors cooler. During winter, solar glazing allows sunlight to enter, providing passive heating. This thoughtful approach manages sunlight effectively, contributing to a more balanced environment.

Energy Generation

Photovoltaic panels are installed with a roof inclined at 50 degrees, enhancing energy autonomy. This angle captures solar energy efficiently, especially in winter. Additionally, shading devices are calculated to allow sunlight in during colder months while providing relief from heat in warmer months.

Careful consideration of sunlight and climate plays a strong role in the design. The interactions between space and environment reflect a commitment to both efficiency and comfort.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy