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Natural Breezes and Earth Insulation in a Subterranean Residential Retreat

Natural Breezes and Earth Insulation in a Subterranean Residential Retreat
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Utilizing earth insulation and natural breezes, the design creates a subterranean living space that offers an adaptive response to the heat of the desert while maintaining functional comfort for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an underground footprint to capitalize on the earth's natural cooling properties.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and light distribution.
03
Employs translucent textiles to diffuse sunlight while minimizing heat gain.
04
Features wind panels that direct breezes into living spaces for passive cooling.
05
Integrates local materials, such as clay and sand, for thermal efficiency and sustainability.

### Overview

The project "nasim" is situated in Dubai, addressing the challenges posed by the region's arid climate through an innovative subterranean design. The intent is to create a living space that provides a cooler environment while maintaining a strong connection to nature and cultural heritage. The design utilizes underground spaces, leveraging the earth's natural cooling properties, while incorporating elements of traditional architecture to enhance comfort and livability.

### Spatial Strategy and Environmental Integration

At the core of the design is a central courtyard that promotes natural ventilation and daylight, serving as the focal point of the residence. The layout encourages cross-ventilation and interaction with the surrounding environment. The structure's thermal mass makes use of the earth's inherent capabilities to regulate temperature, drawing on concepts from traditional desert architecture. Additional features include an offset roof design that optimizes the entry of natural light into living spaces, thereby balancing illumination with thermal comfort. Wind panels and columns are integrated within the design to capture and direct natural breezes, further enhancing internal air circulation and reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

### Material Selection and Performance

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's effectiveness. Clay is selected for the walls, providing insulation against the desert heat while contributing to thermal regulation. Translucent textiles are employed in lightweight structural elements, allowing for light diffusion and reducing solar gain. Steel is utilized for structural support, combining modern resilience with aesthetic qualities. This thoughtful choice of materials reflects local traditions while embracing contemporary manufacturing techniques, resulting in a cohesive narrative that bridges past and present architectural practices. Furthermore, the incorporation of sand as an insulating layer enhances thermal efficiency, safeguarding the interior from direct sunlight and building a comfortable microclimate throughout the residence.

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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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