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Natural Cooling Through Rammed Earth and Timber Shutters in Sustainable Residential Design

Natural Cooling Through Rammed Earth and Timber Shutters in Sustainable Residential Design
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Employing rammed earth and timber shutters to enhance natural ventilation, this sustainable residence seamlessly integrates traditional design elements with modern environmental strategies to create a comfortable family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth as the primary structural material for improved thermal performance.
02
Incorporates adjustable timber shutters to optimize light and airflow throughout the day.
03
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and provides an outdoor gathering space.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels to support energy needs, reducing reliance on external power sources.
05
Employs traditional windcatcher design principles to enhance passive cooling methods.

**Overview**
Located in Dubai, the Future House integrates sustainable design principles to address the challenges posed by the region's extreme heat and humidity. Drawing insights from traditional architectural practices of the coastal Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, the design incorporates passive strategies that minimize environmental impact while ensuring comfort and livability. This approach is characterized by features such as windcatchers and shaded terraces, which effectively engage with the landscape.

**Climate-Responsive Design**
To respond to the local climate, the design employs several key strategies. A comprehensive wind analysis informs the placement of openings and windcatchers, optimizing natural ventilation throughout the living spaces. Shading devices are strategically positioned to mitigate direct sunlight exposure, effectively reducing indoor temperatures and decreasing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The thoughtful organization of public and private zones, alongside a central courtyard, facilitates airflow and enhances outdoor leisure opportunities, contributing to overall comfort.

**Material Selection for Sustainability**
The choice of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Rammed earth serves as the primary structural element, presenting a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete. Adjustable timber slatted shutters offer flexibility for light control and privacy, while breezeblocks create perforated walls that promote natural ventilation. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels on the roof harnesses solar energy, reducing dependency on external electricity sources. Light-colored facades reflect sunlight, minimizing heat absorption and contributing to thermal comfort within the interior spaces.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 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.

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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