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Natural Cooling Through Ventilation Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Dwelling

Natural Cooling Through Ventilation Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Dwelling
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Utilizing a vertical ventilation tower and locally sourced sandstone, this residence effectively addresses the region's climate while incorporating a Majlis to foster cultural interaction within a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a vertical ventilation tower for efficient passive cooling.
02
Incorporates a Majlis to enhance cultural social interaction.
03
Constructed with local sandstone and adobe for climate responsiveness.
04
Features aluminum muxarabis panels for effective sun shading and privacy.
05
Integrates water features and landscaping to harmonize with the environment.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the residential project integrates sustainability, cultural architecture, and contemporary design, responding effectively to urban living needs while maintaining a connection with the natural environment. The design is organized into three primary blocks: Circulation (+Majlis), Habitation, and Recreation, each serving distinct functional zones that promote both private living and social interaction, reflective of Emirati cultural values.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Design
The Circulation Block serves as a connector among the various segments, facilitating movement and interaction throughout the residence. A central feature is the Majlis, designed to foster dialogue within a culturally significant communal space, characterized by low seating arrangements that encourage storytelling and community engagement.

In the Habitation Block, accessibility is prioritized with four suites designed for individuals with reduced mobility, each suite complemented by a ventilation tower that enhances thermal comfort. This passive cooling strategy effectively addresses the heat challenges typical of arid climates. The Recreation Block is designed with innovative features, such as "jail walls" that support airflow through a venturi effect, promoting a responsive thermal environment. The spaces are illuminated by natural light, aided by energy-efficient materials including transparent polycarbonate panels that enhance the social atmosphere.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a range of materials that emphasize environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Sandstone and adobe blocks are used for non-structural walls, capitalizing on their natural cooling properties. Wood is selected for its aesthetic qualities and thermal regulation, particularly in communal areas like the Majlis. Additionally, aluminum muxarabis panels provide necessary shading and visual privacy, while polycarbonate panels in the Recreation Block diffuse natural light. Cement-adobe mixtures ensure structural durability, completing the selection aimed at ecological sensitivity and functionality.

The design also incorporates elements such as strategically placed skylights that minimize artificial lighting needs and integrates landscaping features that enhance the relationship between the built environment and nature, reflecting a respect for both cultural and environmental contexts.

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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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