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Natural Stone Facade Meets Solar Shading in a Courtyard Residence

Natural Stone Facade Meets Solar Shading in a Courtyard Residence
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Combining a natural stone facade with solar shading and a central courtyard, the residence promotes sustainable living while facilitating community interaction and family gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and light throughout the residence.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and to maintain a traditional aesthetic.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to minimize on-site waste and ensure structural efficiency.
04
Design includes integrated solar shading elements to optimize energy performance in a hot climate.
05
Employs local stone for the façade, connecting the structure to its geographic context.

# Report on "The Pearl House" Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in Zone 2 of Dubai, "The Pearl House" is an architectural design that integrates elements of the United Arab Emirates' cultural heritage with contemporary living requirements. The project is formulated within the framework of the city's 2020 urban planning initiatives, striving to harmonize traditional aesthetics with modern principles of sustainability, flexibility, and enhanced comfort.

## Spatial Strategies and User Experience

At the core of The Pearl House is a central courtyard, inspired by traditional oasis architecture. This courtyard serves as a focal point for family and community interaction, featuring lush vegetation and water elements that contribute to a serene environment. The layout promotes natural light and airflow, enhancing thermal comfort and fostering outdoor connection.

The spatial configuration clearly differentiates between private and communal areas. The ground floor incorporates service zones, while designated family spaces enhance adaptability for varying lifestyles. Multipurpose furniture is strategically integrated, allowing the living areas to seamlessly transition between relaxation and functional use.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette of The Pearl House is carefully chosen to address both aesthetic and functional objectives. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, offering strength and longevity, while extensive use of glass enhances transparency, facilitating the connection between interior and exterior environments. Natural stone is selected for its thermal mass properties, coupled with wood elements that add warmth and character to the interiors. Additionally, plaster finishes provide a minimalist aesthetic throughout the building.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the design, with strategies including solar studies for optimized passive energy usage, reducing cooling loads. Smart home technologies are implemented to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort, demonstrating a commitment to innovative and sustainable living solutions.

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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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