Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth and Solar Panels Blend Traditional Heritage with Sustainable Living in a Contemporary Residence

Author:
Jad Fayez Osseiran
Rammed Earth and Solar Panels Blend Traditional Heritage with Sustainable Living in a Contemporary Residence

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and solar panels define a sustainable residence that embraces traditional Emirati design while offering modern family living through its adaptable spaces and water conservation features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth provides high thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Solar panels on the roof support a net-zero energy goal.
03
Traditional arches and wooden screens enhance cultural authenticity.
04
Rainwater harvesting system reduces water consumption.
05
Flexible interior spaces adapt to evolving family needs.

Dar Al Sahra is an architectural project located in the Middle East, embodying a contemporary approach that merges traditional Emirati design with sustainable practices. The project serves as a residential environment that promotes family connectivity and community interaction while addressing the environmental challenges of the region. The layout features a central courtyard that encourages social gathering and offers a private outdoor space.

The house is structured around principles of energy efficiency and resource management. It emphasizes the use of local materials, including rammed earth, which provides thermal mass and insulation, reducing dependency on artificial climate control systems. Solar panels installed on the roof are designed to harness solar energy, contributing to the project’s goal of achieving a net-zero energy status.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN APPROACHES

Dar Al Sahra employs several unique design approaches to enhance its sustainability. One such strategy is the incorporation of a rainwater harvesting system, which captures and stores rainwater for irrigation and other household uses. This feature underlines the project’s commitment to water conservation in a region known for its arid climate.

Natural ventilation is another critical aspect of the design. The positioning of large openings and strategically placed windows facilitates airflow throughout the residence, minimizing reliance on mechanical air conditioning. By allowing for passive cooling, the project enhances indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption.

Culturally sensitive design elements, such as ornate wooden screens and traditional arches, link the contemporary structure to its heritage. These elements not only add aesthetic value but also serve functional purposes by providing shade and privacy, reflecting the architectural vocabulary of the region.

INTEGRATION OF NATURAL ELEMENTS

Dar Al Sahra carefully integrates landscaping with native flora surrounding the building. This approach positions the architecture within its natural context, enhancing biodiversity and ecological sustainability. The landscape design complements the structural elements, creating a harmonious relationship between built and natural environments.

The flexible interior layout reflects modern living dynamics, allowing families to adapt spaces according to their needs. This adaptability is an important consideration in the design, ensuring the residence can evolve over time.

For a comprehensive understanding of this innovative residential project, users are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented. A detailed analysis of the architectural ideas further illustrates how Dar Al Sahra stands out among similar projects in the region.

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

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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