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Perforated Facade and Green Roof Enhance the Courtyard Experience in Sustainable Home Design

Perforated Facade and Green Roof Enhance the Courtyard Experience in Sustainable Home Design
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The integration of a perforated facade and a green roof creates a dynamic interplay of light and shade, while the central courtyard fosters communal interaction in a modern residential home designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
A perforated facade provides both privacy and a dynamic play of light and shadow in the interior spaces.
03
Sustainable cooling strategies reduce reliance on mechanical air conditioning for energy efficiency.
04
Local flora is integrated into the landscaping, minimizing water usage and enhancing biodiversity.
05
The use of precast concrete allows for swift construction while ensuring durability and thermal performance.

**Overview and Conceptual Framework**

The Oasis Residence is situated in the United Arab Emirates and is designed to reflect both traditional and contemporary architectural principles, emphasizing a connection to the natural landscape. The core concept revolves around the notion of an "oasis," symbolizing vitality and community. Central to this design is a sunken courtyard that serves as both a private retreat and a communal area, fostering family interactions while paying homage to historical designs prevalent in the region. The residence comprises two main volumes—one dedicated to family living and the other to guest accommodations—linked by shared living spaces that enhance privacy and social connectivity.

**Spatial Organization and Environmental Integration**

The layout of the Oasis Residence centers around a sunken courtyard, providing a visual and physical focal point from various vantage points within the home. The dual-volume structure promotes distinct areas for intimate family use and guest hosting, facilitating both privacy and interaction. The incorporation of water features, including a shallow basin and a central pool, enhances microclimates throughout the site, contributing to thermal comfort and visual aesthetics. The landscaping employs local plant species, which not only supports biodiversity but also strengthens the relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

**Material Selection and Sustainable Strategies**

The material palette emphasizes precast concrete for its durability and energy efficiency, forming the primary shell of the residence. A perforated façade serves dual functions of regulating airflow and enhancing privacy while providing a rhythmic texture to the exterior. Large glass panels maximize natural light, connecting interior spaces with the exterior environment, while neutral tones reflect sunlight and improve cooling efficiency. Sustainable building practices are evident through the incorporation of natural ventilation strategies and green roofs, which minimize reliance on mechanical cooling systems and promote energy efficiency.

The adaptation of traditional architectural elements, such as the mashrabiya, integrates cultural relevance into the design, ensuring both privacy and effective air circulation while creating dynamic light patterns within the residence. The spatial arrangement effectively links various functional zones, enhancing living quality and accessibility within the home.

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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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