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Natural Sand Composite Structures Enhanced By Wind Towers For Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Cornelia Bosman
Natural Sand Composite Structures Enhanced By Wind Towers For Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing natural sand composite materials and traditional wind towers, this residential design promotes energy efficiency and community cohesion while reflecting the cultural context of its Dubai setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Stax, a composite made from local desert sand for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates traditional Bajel wind towers for efficient passive cooling and ventilation.
03
Features modular design elements allowing flexibility for future adaptations.
04
Dedicated communal spaces designed for cultural gatherings, respecting social structures.
05
Integrates photovoltaic cells for renewable energy generation, minimizing environmental impact.

The Kandura Homes project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of cultural identity and sustainable architectural practices. Located in Dubai, this housing design is rooted in the traditions of Emirati architecture while addressing contemporary living needs. The project facilitates a community-oriented environment, allowing residents to maintain privacy while also enjoying shared spaces.

The design employs passive cooling techniques and environmentally friendly materials to respond effectively to the region's climate. By integrating these approaches, Kandura Homes places an emphasis on energy efficiency and comfort for its inhabitants.

Cultural Integration and Community Focus

A standout feature of Kandura Homes is its focus on communal living while respecting individual privacy, a core aspect of Emirati culture. The layout provides distinct private and shared spaces, including gardens and social areas catering to male and female gatherings separately. This careful consideration fosters a sense of community while accommodating various living arrangements and social structures.

The architectural design incorporates modular components that allow flexibility for future adaptations. This flexibility is critical in today’s rapidly changing urban environments, enabling residents to modify their homes over time according to their needs. The use of a sinuous form reflects traditional structures commonly found in the region, enhancing the project’s cultural relevance.

Sustainable Materiality and Innovative Techniques

The architecture of Kandura Homes emphasizes the utilization of locally sourced and sustainable materials. Notable materials include Stax, a composite building block crafted from desert sand, which contributes to the thermal performance of the homes. Steel and membrane materials offer adaptability within the design, allowing the interior spaces to be versatile according to resident requirements. Additionally, natural fibers and traditional mud play significant roles in promoting thermal regulation and enhancing structural integrity.

Passive cooling strategies are essential to the project. The incorporation of Bajel-like wind towers aids in natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems, thereby reducing energy consumption. The careful orientation of the buildings harnesses prevailing winds and maximizes shade, further enhancing the comfort levels of the interior spaces without excessive energy use.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Kandura Homes project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that showcase the various facets of this housing initiative. A detailed examination of these elements reveals the thoughtful design ideas that underpin this project, illustrating how traditional influences can effectively merge with modern sustainability considerations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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