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Natural Clay and Wood Synthesis for Community Living in Arid Landscapes
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Merging traditional clay and wood construction techniques with modern ventilation systems, the design fosters a sustainable community space tailored for arid environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional clay and wood construction to enhance thermal performance.
02
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for improved natural ventilation.
03
Features mashrabiya screens for privacy and airflow.
04
Includes modular spaces that allow for future adaptability.
05
Integrates courtyard layout to facilitate community interaction.

## Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Tent project is designed to harmonize modern living with the region's rich cultural heritage. It addresses the rapid growth and modernization influenced by the petroleum boom while serving as a cultural artifact that respects traditional desert lifestyles. The intent is to provide a comfortable living environment that integrates contemporary amenities with the socio-cultural identity of the UAE.

## Cultural Context and Environmental Adaptation

The design integrates elements of traditional nomadic tent structures, translating them into a modern context that prioritizes functionality and community. The architecture focuses on environmental sensitivity, utilizing strategies that promote natural ventilation and heat mitigation, thereby respecting the desert surroundings. The layout incorporates open courtyards and segmented indoor spaces to facilitate social interaction while maintaining personal privacy, fostering community engagement.

### Materiality and Structural Form

The material selection reflects local building practices and contemporary sustainability standards. Clay and mud bricks are employed for their thermal properties, while wood is used for both structural integrity and aesthetic elements. Glass features allow for natural light ingress without sacrificing privacy, complemented by mashrabiya screens that enhance ventilation and create intricate shadow patterns reminiscent of Islamic architecture.

The architectural form takes cues from traditional shapes, featuring sweeping roofs designed to manage environmental conditions effectively. Landscaping elements further blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces through the integration of vegetation, enhancing the overall quality of living. The project also anticipates future expansion needs, ensuring adaptability as societal requirements evolve. Unique features such as dynamic canopy systems and strategically placed gathering areas reinforce community connectivity and user comfort.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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