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Passive Cooling with Barjeel and Vertical Fins in Sustainable Community Housing

Passive Cooling with Barjeel and Vertical Fins in Sustainable Community Housing
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Incorporating Barjeel for passive cooling and vertical fins for shading, the design creates a sustainable community housing solution that balances environmental efficiency with modern living requirements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with Barjeel for passive cooling, optimizing airflow without mechanical systems.
02
Vertical fins provide essential shading while adding to the aesthetic structure.
03
Green balconies encourage urban gardening, enhancing biodiversity within the community.
04
Locally sourced plaster reduces environmental impact during construction and maintenance.
05
Modular layouts allow for flexible living arrangements, catering to diverse family structures.

### Project Overview

The sustainable housing project in Dubai aims to address the increasing demand for environmentally responsible residential solutions in a city marked by rapid urbanization and population growth. This initiative focuses on creating a cohesive community within the urban fabric by integrating architectural design with sustainability, cultural relevance, and functionality. Emphasizing a system-based approach, the design facilitates resource sharing among residences, enhancing efficiency while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

### Community Integration and Spatial Strategy

Central to the project's vision is the concept of interconnectedness among housing units, structured to foster community interaction and enhance living conditions. The arrangement of homes operates as a "street urban textile," reminiscent of musical motifs that promote social cohesion. The design allows for shared services, which not only conserves energy but also counters urban sprawl, contributing to a more sustainable urban landscape.

The layout provides distinct private and communal spaces, ensuring each unit is adaptable to varying family needs while retaining functionality. The ground floor incorporates family-oriented areas to encourage interaction, while upper levels provide private quarters, balancing public and private life.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

The choice of materials underscores the commitment to sustainability and cultural resonance. Locally sourced plaster minimizes transportation emissions and enhances thermal performance. Concrete is leveraged in structural components for its ability to stabilize temperatures, while strategically placed glass windows facilitate natural light while reducing glare through protective shading.

Environmental strategies are integral, with passive design principles that utilize thermal mass and shading to mitigate energy use in Dubai's hot climate. The incorporation of a Barjeel, or wind-catcher, serves to enhance natural ventilation and reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems.

### Special Features

Distinctive aspects of the design include rhythmic facades that draw inspiration from traditional Emirati architecture, ensuring cultural relevance while embracing modern building practices. Private balconies designed for gardening reflect both local lifestyle preferences and a commitment to greening urban environments. The housing units collectively form a cohesive urban fabric, emphasizing shared sustainability goals and adaptability to climatic challenges. This project serves as a model for future developments, combining cultural heritage with innovative solutions for sustainable living.

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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
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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