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Perforated Metal Cladding and Travertine Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Courtyard Residence

Perforated Metal Cladding and Travertine Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Courtyard Residence
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Utilizing perforated metal cladding and travertine facades, the design creates a dialogue between modernity and tradition, optimizing natural ventilation and light while serving as a contemporary family residence in the heart of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facades utilize unique travertine for thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates perforated metal screens inspired by traditional Arab patterns.
03
Courtyard design enhances natural ventilation and outdoor connectivity.
04
Upper level features outdoor terraces, expanding usable living space.
05
Solar panels integrated into the roof optimize energy efficiency.

### Project Overview
Situated in Dubai, a city renowned for its rapid transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis, the BEHOUSE project addresses contemporary residential needs while honoring the region's rich heritage. The design seeks to integrate modern living conditions with traditional values, offering a residential environment that reflects both the historical and cultural context of its location.

### Volume Configuration and Spatial Dynamics
The architectural strategy features two distinct volumes: the lower level, constructed of travertine to maintain a connection with the region's geological history, and the upper volume clad in glass and metal, representing contemporary design principles. This duality fosters both a dialogue between past and present and creates a layered visual effect that enhances the overall aesthetic. The building's layout employs a shift between levels that incorporates a courtyard at the ground level and a covered terrace above, allowing for improved air circulation and visual links among spaces. This design promotes a clear functional zoning between public and private areas, encouraging both privacy and communal interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Key materials utilized in the BEHOUSE project include travertine, glass, and copper-like metal panels. The travertine provides not only thermal benefits but also aesthetic warmth, while the glass facilitates transparency and outdoor connectivity, contributing to energy efficiency. The metal panels serve as an innovative cladding solution, enhancing the structure's modern character. Additionally, the internal partitions utilize lightweight cement and gypsum board, ensuring structural integrity while optimizing space. The design emphasizes sustainability through the incorporation of renewable energy sources, efficient drainage systems, and thoughtful insulation strategies, exemplifying a responsible approach to architectural development within an urban setting.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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