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Passive Cooling Strategy with Roof Ponds and Compressed Earth Blocks Creating Sustainable Living

Passive Cooling Strategy with Roof Ponds and Compressed Earth Blocks Creating Sustainable Living
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Incorporating compressed earth blocks and innovative roof ponds for passive cooling, the design creates a sustainable living environment that harmonizes with the arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates roof ponds for passive cooling, enhancing thermoregulation.
02
Constructed with locally sourced compressed earth blocks to minimize environmental impact.
03
Features an innovative layout prioritizing communal living while preserving privacy.
04
Utilizes recycled water systems for efficient resource management.
05
Employs traditional architectural elements to reflect local cultural heritage.

## Overview

Situated in a desert environment, the Desert Rose House is designed to reflect the resilience of the desert rose plant while integrating ecological considerations with local cultural elements. The architectural intent revolves around creating a harmonious relationship between the built form, the natural landscape, and the experiences of its occupants. Through an examination of various design components, materials, and environmental strategies, the project showcases a commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout of the Desert Rose House effectively balances communal and private spaces. Central to this arrangement is the incorporation of courtyards, specifically the sahn, which fosters social interaction while allowing for transitions into more secluded living areas. Arches and shaded zones facilitate fluidity between interior and exterior spaces, aligning with traditional Arabian architectural practices. This spatial organization invites users to engage with both communal and private aspects of living, enhancing the overall experience within the home.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection emphasizes local and sustainable resources to optimize thermal performance and cultural integrity. Key elements include compressed earth blocks for the walls, mud bricks for enhanced insulation, and systems for recycled water use, all of which reduce the overall carbon footprint. Solar panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy efficiency, while frosted glass windows ensure natural light entry with maintained privacy. The innovative inclusion of roof ponds serves as passive cooling mechanisms, utilizing natural processes to regulate indoor temperatures, further underscoring the design's commitment to environmental sustainability.

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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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