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Natural Insulation from Date Palm Wood and Biophilic Elements in a Modern Residential Oasis

Natural Insulation from Date Palm Wood and Biophilic Elements in a Modern Residential Oasis
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Crafted with date palm wood for natural insulation and integrated with lush biophilic elements, the design offers a modern residential oasis that prioritizes sustainable living and a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with date palm wood, providing natural insulation and connecting to local heritage.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural light and cross ventilation throughout the home.
03
Incorporates water features in the landscape, promoting biodiversity and enhancing outdoor aesthetics.
04
Utilizes a modular date palm beam panel system, allowing for future adaptability in design.
05
Blends modern elements with traditional materials, emphasizing sustainability in urban living.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the Al-Oasis House exemplifies contemporary architectural design informed by the region's natural heritage and traditional building methods. The project aims to create a living environment that integrates cultural representation with modern functionality, serving as a tranquil refuge within the urban context. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability, privacy, and communal connectivity, while embracing the concept of an "oasis," providing a calming retreat from the surrounding environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural identity of the Al-Oasis House is defined by the strategic selection of materials that harmonize with the local context:

1. **Date Palm Wood**: This material features prominently in the exterior, offering natural insulation while paying tribute to the area's architectural roots.

2. **White Stucco**: Utilized in interiors, it aids temperature control and provides a modern aesthetic that complements the organic finish of the palm wood.

3. **Glass**: Expansive glazed sections facilitate abundant natural light, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

4. **Polished Stone**: Dark polished stone in the interior spaces reflects the calming qualities of nearby water elements, contributing to the overall serene atmosphere.

5. **Structural Steel**: Employed in critical structural elements, this material adds modernity and stability to the overall design.

6. **Landscaping**: The integration of greenery and palm trees fosters biodiversity and creates shaded microclimates around the residence.

### Spatial Organization

The Al-Oasis House features a carefully articulated layout across two levels, designed to balance communal and private spaces effectively:

- **Ground Floor**: An open-plan design incorporates living, dining, and social areas, with a central courtyard that allows natural light and airflow to enhance usability. Practical considerations are met with three car slots that blend aesthetic appeal with functionality.

- **First Floor**: This level is dedicated to private living quarters, with careful positioning to ensure privacy while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding greenery.

The project also incorporates unique elements such as integrated water bodies and a modular date palm beam panel system, promoting sustainable practices and flexible design adaptations for future needs. The design provides a balance of privacy and openness, allowing for interactive living without excessive partitioning.

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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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