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Limestone and Coconut Fiber Reshape a Sustainable Family Habitat in Dubai

Limestone and Coconut Fiber Reshape a Sustainable Family Habitat in Dubai
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Utilizing locally sourced limestone and innovative coconut fiber insulation, the design creates a sustainable family residence that emphasizes community connection and environmental harmony in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled steel framing for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Integrates locally sourced limestone for thermal mass and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates coconut fiber as an eco-friendly insulation material.
04
Features a unique dual access design for enhanced privacy and convenience.
05
Establishes a central courtyard to promote community interaction and biophilic design.

**Overview**
Located in Dubai, this project seeks to create a customizable and sustainable living environment that prioritizes communal interaction while respecting local traditions and ecological principles. With a focus on family life, the design integrates innovative solutions that emphasize adaptability and user engagement in both indoor and outdoor settings.

**Spatial Strategy**
The layout is notably organized around a vertical arrangement that distinctly separates private and communal areas. Bedrooms are positioned on the upper floor to ensure privacy, while the ground level accommodates shared spaces such as the kitchen and living areas. This arrangement balances intimacy with opportunities for family gatherings. The entrance features dual access points for guests and domestic staff, facilitating efficient circulation within the home. The use of mirrored glass enhances natural light penetration while maintaining occupants' privacy, creating a sense of openness.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The material choices reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Recycled steel serves as the primary structural framework, promoting durability and recyclability. Limestone plates sourced from the Hajar Mountains lend both traditional elegance and modern eco-consciousness, while locally-sourced clay helps regulate interior climates, supporting an environmentally friendly approach. Coconut fiber insulation contributes to energy conservation and lifecycle sustainability. Additionally, biophilic elements, such as a courtyard garden filled with palm trees, enhance the microclimate, providing a cooling effect and promoting biodiversity within the urban context. Solar panels and hydropanels further reinforce the home's self-sustainable capabilities by harnessing solar energy and capturing atmospheric moisture for drinking water.

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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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