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Rammed Earth Facades with Flexible Courtyard Layouts Supporting Community Living

Rammed Earth Facades with Flexible Courtyard Layouts Supporting Community Living
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Combining rammed earth construction with a flexible courtyard design, the project promotes community living while utilizing sustainable materials and enhancing natural ventilation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction is utilized for both durability and thermal efficiency.
02
The design incorporates multiple flexible courtyards that promote social interaction.
03
Natural ventilation strategies are integrated to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
Local materials are prioritized to enhance cultural relevance and reduce environmental impact.
05
The layout facilitates easy adaptation for changing family needs over time.

## Overview

This architectural design project is located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is focused on sustainable modular living within the context of urban planning. The intent is to create a resilient urban environment that addresses both the building and landscape scales, aiming to facilitate adaptive responses to the challenges presented by rapid urbanization.

## Urban Planning Concepts

### Future Urban Hubs

The proposal articulates a vision for future urban hubs that develop inland, countering the typical shoreline expansion prevalent in the region. It aims to enhance mobility networks and establish new centers that address urbanization challenges through a carefully considered spatial arrangement. The urban layout incorporates protective green buffers to mitigate environmental impacts while promoting social interaction and functional living spaces.

## Materiality

### Unique Material Selection

Key materials selected for construction include rammed earth, which minimizes ecological impact and draws from the region's historical building traditions, and concrete, which provides structural durability. Wood elements add warmth, while glass treatments ensure natural light and energy efficiency. Decorative grilles, inspired by traditional motifs, integrate modern design with cultural references, enhancing ventilation and visual interest. The emphasis on rammed earth distinguishes this project within contemporary architectural practices, promoting sustainability and ecological harmony.

## Design Outcomes

### Interior and Exterior Spaces

The design strategically incorporates multiple courtyards to foster natural airflow and create a temperate internal climate. These outdoor spaces are intended for social interaction, while the flexible interior layout accommodates changing family dynamics, with provisions for future use of spaces, such as the rooftop. The clear division between private family areas and public guest zones respects local social and cultural practices, enhancing the overall hospitality within the dwelling.

### Sustainability and Environment

Sustainability is paramount in this project, evidenced by the integration of landscape architecture, water management strategies, and the use of ecological materials. The design not only respects the region's heritage but also interprets modern needs through environmentally conscious methods, presenting a balanced approach to contemporary urban living.

## Visual Elements and Functionality

### Structural and Aesthetic Details

The facades combine solid rammed earth with transparent glass, creating a visually dynamic interplay of light and shadows within the interior spaces. The innovative floor plan allows for both communal and private experiences, ensuring accessibility and engagement in shared areas such as living and dining rooms. Additionally, the integration of gardens and pools promotes outdoor living, aligning with the UAE's climate and lifestyle while enhancing leisure activities within daily life.

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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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