Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Passive Cooling Residences with Modular Design for Arid Climates

Passive Cooling Residences with Modular Design for Arid Climates
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing hollow brick construction and modular design, this sustainable residential initiative captures wind and solar energy to create adaptable living spaces for families in Dubai's arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wind tower enhances passive cooling and air circulation.
02
Solar panels provide energy independence for homes.
03
Modular design allows for family needs expansion.
04
Rainwater and greywater harvesting support responsible water management.
05
Hollow bricks promote thermal comfort in exterior walls.

"Where Wind Finds Home" is a comprehensive residential initiative located in Dubai, UAE. It focuses on sustainable living solutions tailored for low-income communities. The design emphasizes environmental responsiveness and energy efficiency, aiming to create a functional living space that interacts dynamically with the local climate. This project serves as a model for future housing developments that prioritize sustainability and community resilience.

Sustainable Integration and Family-Centric Design

This project embodies a commitment to sustainable integration within urban settings. Key features include a wind tower that harnesses natural breezes, allowing for passive cooling and improved air circulation, significantly reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

Additionally, solar panels placed strategically on roofs enhance the energy independence of the homes by generating surplus electricity. The project incorporates a modular design approach, providing flexibility for families as their needs evolve, allowing for expansion without extensive reconstruction. Outdoor spaces are integral to the design, fostering interactions with nature and the surrounding community through open-air patios and communal gardens. The arrangement of spaces prioritizes both private and social interactions, creating an environment conducive to family life while inviting community connectivity.

Innovative Climate Adaptation and Resource Management

A distinguishing characteristic here is its methodical approach to climate adaptation. Utilizing local architectural traditions, the design incorporates passive cooling strategies that address the hot, arid climate of Dubai. Features such as solar chimneys enhance natural ventilation, further contributing to the energy efficiency of the homes. The inclusion of rainwater and greywater harvesting systems signifies a commitment to responsible water management, supporting both domestic use and landscaping needs. Materials play a vital role in the project’s sustainability. The use of hollow bricks for external walls promotes thermal comfort, while recycled plastic cladding reduces environmental impact. Internal finishes utilize moisture-resistant gypsum plastering, enhancing durability and aesthetics.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 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

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
new
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 23 July 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 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
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 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