Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!
Passive Cooling with Wind Towers and Handmade Bricks for Sustainable Urban Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating wind towers and handmade bricks, this residential design leverages passive cooling strategies and sustainable materials to create an adaptable urban living space in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind towers for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Features handmade bricks for local material authenticity.
03
Utilizes rainwater collection systems integrated into the landscape.
04
Design includes multi-functional communal spaces for resident interaction.
05
Employs passive solar orientation to optimize energy efficiency.

### Overview

The GAFT House project is situated in Dubai and focuses on sustainable living through an innovative architectural design that acknowledges the region's environmental and cultural context. The development integrates traditional design features with contemporary building methods, aiming to establish resilient urban solutions that address both climate challenges and community needs.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The architectural layout emphasizes adaptability and social interaction, featuring expandable housing modules that cater to diverse family structures and sizes. Central atriums serve as multifunctional spaces that foster both environmental benefits and social connectivity, enhancing residents' overall quality of life. Additionally, dedicated gardening areas allow residents to cultivate their own food, promoting local biodiversity and contributing to food security within the community.

### Materiality and Sustainability Practices

The GAFT House prioritizes the use of locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Key components include a mix of soil and cement for reduced carbon footprint, handmade bricks for flexible design, and pre-fabricated elements to enhance construction efficiency. To further support sustainability, designs incorporate effective water management systems and orientation strategies that utilize natural light and passive heating, significantly reducing reliance on artificial energy sources. Such features illustrate a comprehensive approach to building that unites ecological responsibility with cultural significance.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy