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Perforated Metal Facades and Hydroponic Gardens Defining Sustainable Urban Living

Perforated Metal Facades and Hydroponic Gardens Defining Sustainable Urban Living
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Utilizing perforated metal facades and hydroponic gardens, the design establishes a sustainable urban living environment that seamlessly integrates community interaction with individual residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated metal facades to enhance natural light while reducing heat.
02
Incorporates hydroponic systems into residential units for sustainable food production.
03
Features modular living pods designed for flexibility in space usage.
04
Integrates community gardens to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Employs a unique bent A-frame design for structural innovation and aesthetic appeal.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential neighborhood design integrates sustainable principles and community-focused elements within an urban context. The design incorporates traditional architectural motifs with modern technology, fostering a harmonious coexistence of private living spaces and shared communal areas. Emphasizing social interaction and environmental consciousness, the project introduces a spatial layout that encourages community engagement while also respecting individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
The layout utilizes a "Walled Courtyard" concept rooted in traditional Arabic architecture, providing both privacy and a social gathering space for residents. Key features include communal gardens, modular living pods, and dedicated areas for caregiving staff that are seamlessly integrated into the residential units. These elements promote a lifestyle that supports family connectivity while facilitating interaction among neighbors. Designed for flexibility, the living pods adapt to the diverse needs of households, reflecting changing dynamics over time.

### Sustainability and Material Choices
This residential design prioritizes sustainability through various innovative systems. Solar panels provide renewable energy, while water purification technologies and waste management solutions minimize environmental impact. The use of materials such as concrete and metal, particularly Metal Organic Frameworks, enhances structural performance and efficiency. The facade features geometric perforated panels that optimize natural light and temperature regulation. Additionally, biophilic design principles are reflected in interior spaces, with hydroponic gardens promoting health and environmental stewardship. The neighborhood layout encourages shared spaces for social activities, reinforcing community ties and shared responsibility towards sustainability.

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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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