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Natural Stone Facades and Palm Wood Elements Foster Sustainable Living in Desert Community

Natural Stone Facades and Palm Wood Elements Foster Sustainable Living in Desert Community
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Natural stone facades and palm wood accents define a residential community designed for sustainable living in the arid landscape of Riyadh.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facades enhance thermal performance while blending seamlessly with the desert landscape.
02
Palm wood features throughout the interiors, promoting a connection to local materials and craftsmanship.
03
Interconnected villa clusters prioritize community interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
04
The design incorporates courtyards that utilize natural ventilation for improved indoor air quality.
05
Sustainable construction methods minimize environmental impact and utilize regional resources effectively.

### Project Overview

Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this architectural development aims to meet the integrated living needs of families while drawing on the rich traditions of Arab architecture. The project seeks to provide a contemporary living environment that emphasizes sustainability, privacy, and community, effectively blending modern design with cultural heritage.

### Spatial Organization and Community Focus

The design employs clustered courtyards and interconnected villa clusters, mirroring the traditional urban fabric of the region. This approach fosters community interaction while ensuring private spaces for residents. Each villa is strategically positioned around shared areas that encourage social engagement, presenting a harmonious balance between communal and individual living experiences.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project makes thoughtful use of materials that are both locally sourced and sustainable. Local stone is utilized for structural support and aesthetic continuity within the desert landscape, while palm wood serves various interior finishes to enhance warmth and connection to place. Natural fabrics create a comfortable indoor environment, and glass is employed to maximize natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to local craftsmanship and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with the overarching goal of sustainability in the design.

Key features include the strategic orientation of structures to mitigate environmental impact and the incorporation of traditional architectural elements, such as stylized arches, that resonate culturally and enhance the sense of identity within the space.

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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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