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Natural Cooling Through Adobe and Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Natural Cooling Through Adobe and Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design
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Harnessing natural ventilation through integrated windcatchers and a central courtyard, this sustainable residence employs adobe and water features to create an efficient living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard enhances natural ventilation and thermal comfort.
02
Integrated windcatchers optimize airflow throughout the interior.
03
Water features contribute to cooling and create a tranquil environment.
04
Adobe construction provides excellent thermal mass for energy efficiency.
05
Lattice facades promote privacy while allowing natural light access.

## Overview
Located in a climate that values both tradition and modernity, the Windcatchers House merges principles of passive cooling with contemporary living. Its design is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture, specifically the use of windcatchers, and revolves around a central courtyard that enhances its microclimate. The layout promotes functional aesthetics while ensuring natural ventilation and thermal comfort throughout the residence.

## Spatial Organization
The Windcatchers House comprises individual zones tailored for various functions. The ground floor features a lobby, living and dining areas, and a service kitchen, with a swimming pool situated in the courtyard to facilitate evaporative cooling. The first floor is dedicated to private bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing residents to enjoy views of the courtyard while maintaining privacy. The basement accommodates a cinema and storage spaces alongside technical systems vital for climate control. This strategic organization supports both community engagement and personal retreat, effectively addressing user needs.

## Materials and Systems
The material selection emphasizes sustainability and performance. Adobe blocks are utilized for their thermal mass properties, while extensive glass elements improve natural lighting and connections to the outdoors. Wood is incorporated within the latticed facades, adding warmth and texture, and durable stone flooring maintains cooler indoor temperatures. Water features are integrated to enhance cooling and provide tranquil spaces.

The design incorporates advanced climate-responsive systems such as a shower cooling mechanism that maintains indoor temperatures with efficient water use and strategically placed openings for optimal cross-ventilation. The overall approach reflects an integration of environmental considerations with cultural relevance, underscoring the dialogue between historical architectural practices and contemporary demands.

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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

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