Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Pointed Arches and Stone Cladding Create Private Oasis in Residential Design

Author:
Pointed Arches and Stone Cladding Create Private Oasis in Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Characterized by its octagonal layout and intricate geometric patterns, this residence employs stone cladding and wooden elements to prioritize privacy while seamlessly integrating communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stone cladding enhances structural durability while reflecting traditional architecture.
02
The octagonal layout optimizes internal privacy and spatial flow.
03
Intricate geometric patterns are integrated into both exterior and interior aesthetics.
04
Wooden elements prominently feature sustainable timber sourced locally.
05
The design incorporates landscaping that complements the natural environment.

## Overview

Located in a context sensitive to the privacy requirements of Eastern Arab societies, the Ewan project integrates cultural values with contemporary architectural forms. The design draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, particularly the "Ewan," characterized by semi-open spaces that provide a balance between openness and retreat. The project prioritizes privacy through thoughtful spatial organization and curated materials, reflecting both functional and aesthetic considerations.

### Spatial Organization

The layout utilizes an octagonal modular design that enhances internal privacy and supports social interactions. By employing geometric forms, the arrangement creates distinct zones within the dwelling, allowing for a balance of communal and private spaces. The open-concept areas facilitate movement while ensuring that private quarters remain secluded, fulfilling the cultural emphasis on privacy.

### Material Palette

The material choices for the Ewan project are reflective of both historical context and modern architectural practices. Key materials include:

- **Stone Cladding**: Applied to exterior walls, this material offers durability and resonates with the historical context of Islamic architecture.
- **Wood**: Utilized for main entrance doors, introducing warmth and contrasting with the stone's solidity.
- **Glass**: Employed in windows and doors to allow natural light while maintaining privacy through controlled visibility.
- **Custom Lighting Fixtures**: Designed in a lantern style, these elements enhance the architectural narrative during nighttime.
- **Landscaping Materials**: Natural stone pavers and native flora are integrated to foster a connection between the built environment and nature.

The elevation features symmetrical design elements and intricate geometric patterns, particularly in the grand architrave, which serves as a focal point. The inclusion of pointed arches and decorative motifs enriches the visual profile, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic design while promoting cultural appreciation.

The surrounding landscaping incorporates indigenous plant species, creating a tranquil outdoor experience. Natural stone pathways guide visitors through lush gardens while integrated lighting enhances the atmosphere, particularly at dusk. Collectively, these design elements reflect not only an attention to cultural significance but also a commitment to sustainable practices within the project's scope.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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