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Hydroponic Systems and Recycled Glass Elements in a Sustainable Community Setting

Hydroponic Systems and Recycled Glass Elements in a Sustainable Community Setting
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Utilizing hydroponic systems and recycled glass, the design integrates sustainable living practices with advanced water management solutions to create a self-sufficient residential community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes integrated hydroponic systems for on-site food production.
02
Features recycled glass components to enhance sustainability.
03
Incorporates vertical wind turbines for renewable energy generation.
04
Employs advanced water harvesting techniques tailored to arid conditions.
05
Design includes a circular layout to promote community interaction.

## Overview

The Shamal House and Crescent Village are architectural initiatives located in Dubai, designed to provide innovative housing solutions that respect traditional artifacts while incorporating modern technologies. The intent is to create sustainable living environments that respond effectively to the region's climatic conditions. This design philosophy is guided by the principle: "Respect the Past, Engineer the Present, Protect the Future."

### Spatial Strategy and Functions

The Shamal House demonstrates a fluid architectural form characterized by soft curves and dynamic facades that facilitate indoor-outdoor interaction while accentuating the significance of water in an arid landscape. The strategic layout promotes energy generation and water conservation, showcasing technologies such as hydroponic gardens and innovative wind catchers. Similarly, the Shamal House Majlis emphasizes social dynamics structured around traditional gatherings, featuring distinct spaces for male and female interactions while employing passive cooling strategies to enhance environmental sustainability. The conceptual framework of Shamal Crescent Village further develops communal living principles, with a circular design that embraces solar and wind energy for self-sufficiency.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices across the designs reflect a commitment to sustainability. The Shamal House utilizes glass fiber reinforced plastic for structural integrity and incorporates recycled materials, such as crushed glass and plastic-infused asphalt, which contribute to energy efficiency. In the Shamal House Majlis, the integration of glass elements with recycled plastics continues this sustainable approach. The Shamal Crescent Village features solar panels and water-resistant materials, ensuring durability in response to climatic changes. The Burj Shamal's design emphasizes thermal efficiency through enhanced glass facades and includes hydroponic nurseries to promote both aesthetics and ecological considerations, thereby reinforcing the commitment to innovative, sustainable architecture.

### Design Innovations

Key design innovations include the implementation of vertical wind turbines that facilitate efficient energy production, hydroponic systems for enhanced residential food production, and integrated water harvesting solutions that capture and purify rainwater, minimizing waste. These elements reflect a robust approach to addressing the challenges posed by the local environment, ensuring resilience and sustainability in urban living.

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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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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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