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Rainwater Harvesting with Exposed Concrete and Walnut Accents in a Sustainable Desert Dwelling

Rainwater Harvesting with Exposed Concrete and Walnut Accents in a Sustainable Desert Dwelling
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Incorporating rainwater harvesting and exposed concrete with walnut accents, this sustainable dwelling in Dubai is designed to adapt to its environment while providing a comfortable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a phased design for evolving family needs.
02
Utilizes locally sourced walnut for warm interior finishes.
03
Features rainwater harvesting integrated within its structure.
04
Adopts exposed concrete to enhance thermal performance.
05
Angular block configuration optimizes natural light intake.

## Project Overview

The House of the Future is situated in Dubai, designed to address the challenges of living in a desert environment. The intent is to create a residence that emphasizes adaptability and sustainability while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape. This residential structure integrates modern amenities with careful consideration of climatic factors, resulting in an environment that balances functionality and aesthetics.

## Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates a volumetric composition that juxtaposes solid forms with open spaces. Characterized by distinctive angular blocks, the exterior presents a contemporary aesthetic while enhancing privacy and functionality. The configuration promotes an efficient flow between communal and private areas, with a thoughtfully organized layout consisting of defined zones for bedrooms, living spaces, and utility areas. The residence's three-phase adaptability allows for an evolving living arrangement: an initial foundational space for immediate use, a subsequent phase for enhanced living areas to accommodate a growing family, and a final phase that may include communal facilities or adaptive functions.

## Material and Sustainability

Emphasizing local materials, the construction includes walnut wood for wall cladding and furnishings, exposed concrete for structural integrity, and marble flooring to aid temperature regulation. Specific choices such as fluted concrete, local stone, and brown leather furnishings contribute to both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Sustainability is embedded in the design through features like rooftop solar panels for renewable energy, a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and domestic uses, and landscaped areas that create a cooler microclimate. Each element is deliberately selected to support both environmental goals and enhance the livability of the space.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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