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 Walls and Curved Façade Define a Sustainable Residential Retreat

Rammed Earth Walls and Curved Façade Define a Sustainable Residential Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With its rammed earth walls and elegantly curved façade, this sustainable residence integrates local materials and climate-responsive design to create a comfortable family living space in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide high thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
The façade features a dynamic curved design that optimizes natural light and airflow.
03
Extensive use of local materials supports sustainability and cultural relevance.
04
Cross-ventilation strategies maximize comfort in Dubai's hot climate.
05
Integrated solar panels contribute to the home’s renewable energy usage.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the House of Zephyr is an architectural project that harmonizes contemporary design with cultural, climatic, and ecological factors inherent to the region. The intent behind the structure is to foster familial intimacy while responding appropriately to environmental conditions. The layout is crafted to prioritize privacy, outdoor living, and thoughtful engagement with the site’s natural features, fundamentally enhancing the user experience.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The spatial distribution within the house is designed to categorize areas into family spaces, guest accommodations, and service zones. Key elements include a double-height entrance hall that reflects cultural significance and a Majlis designed for communal activities, featuring large openings that connect to the outdoors. Living and dining areas are centrally located to maximize natural light and encourage interaction, while private quarters are strategically positioned to provide both privacy and access to external views. This meticulous organization fosters a sense of community while maintaining individual needs.

### Material Selection and Environmental Impact
The materials selected for the House of Zephyr emphasize sustainability and regional relevance. Compressed earth blocks and rammed earth structural walls are used to enhance thermal mass and aesthetics while minimizing the environmental impact. The building incorporates lightly reinforced concrete for structural support, alongside solar panels on the roof to promote renewable energy use. A dynamic façade treatment, characterized by curved design elements, enhances light and shadow play while facilitating natural ventilation through optimized building orientation. Overall, these design choices contribute to thermal efficiency and reduced reliance on mechanical systems, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026

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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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