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Kinetic Facades and Natural Wood Elements Enhance Contemporary Residential Living

Kinetic Facades and Natural Wood Elements Enhance Contemporary Residential Living
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Employing kinetic facades of perforated aluminum and integrating low-emissivity glass, this contemporary residential design balances energy efficiency with cultural expression to create adaptable living spaces for multi-generational families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kinetic facades adjust to environmental conditions, enhancing natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
02
Perforated aluminum panels incorporate traditional Islamic patterns while providing privacy and light modulation.
03
A central atrium features a vertical garden, promoting indoor biodiversity and connection to nature.
04
Low-emissivity glass minimizes heat gain, addressing the challenges of the local climate.
05
The design accommodates a multi-generational layout, allowing flexible use of communal and private spaces.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, this residential design integrates cultural elements with modern architectural techniques. The intent is to create a living environment that evolves with its inhabitants while addressing local climate challenges and promoting sustainability and individuality through customizable spaces.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The layout is organized into three distinct blocks: the Front, Central, and Back. The Front Block serves as the entry, welcoming guests and family. The Central Block acts as the core of the home, featuring communal areas such as the Majlis, which adapt to various activities throughout the day. In contrast, the Back Block prioritizes privacy, accommodating bedrooms and personal spaces. This arrangement allows for a thoughtful separation of communal interactions and private time, facilitating both open connection and personal retreat, suitable for modern Emirati families that often include multiple generations.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Strategies
The project employs several strategic materials to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Stucco is utilized for the facade, providing insulation, while perforated aluminum adds aesthetic value and enhances ventilation. Low-E glass minimizes heat transfer, which is vital in the hot climate. The design incorporates automated wind towers for natural ventilation, decreasing reliance on mechanical cooling systems, and solar panels to harness renewable energy.

The automated kinetic facades are a prominent feature, adjusting based on light exposure and user preferences, thereby optimizing energy performance. Inspired by traditional Islamic geometric patterns, these facades not only serve functional purposes but also enrich the visual experience of the dwelling. An internal Artuim facilitates communal interaction and houses a vertical garden, connecting interior spaces with nature.

### Landscaping and Community Engagement
Landscaping plays a crucial role in the project, featuring gardens and community areas that foster social interaction among residents. The design adheres to local building codes while enhancing the livability of the community through manageable green spaces. This consideration for landscaping complements the architectural objectives, supporting both environmental sustainability and communal engagement.

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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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