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Rammed Earth Walls with Charred Wooden Shingles in a Sustainable Family Residence

Rammed Earth Walls with Charred Wooden Shingles in a Sustainable Family Residence
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Rammed earth walls and charred wooden shingles create a resilient envelope that enhances thermal efficiency while accommodating a flexible living environment designed for family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal mass, reducing energy consumption.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels allow for quick assembly and structural efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and provide a distinctive aesthetic.
04
The bent A-frame design promotes natural ventilation and light distribution.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate changing family needs over time.

### Overview
"Solace" is a residential design project located in the United Arab Emirates, where it responds to the regional climate while incorporating elements of traditional Arab architecture. The design aims to balance communal living and privacy, facilitating a functional and comfortable living environment. By integrating local materials into the construction, the project emphasizes sustainability and economic responsibility, ensuring that it aligns with the cultural context of the region.

### Material Innovation
The project employs a range of innovative materials that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability:
- **Rammed Earth Bricks** provide thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing heat gain.
- **Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)** comprises flexible modules that allow for future expansion and reduces the need for steel and concrete.
- **Reflective Stucco** enhances aesthetics while protecting against solar radiation.
- **Low-e Triple Argon-Filled Glazing** minimizes heat transfer through windows, improving thermal conditions indoors.
- An **Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)** system improves air quality and regulates temperatures effectively throughout the residence.

These materials collectively contribute to the residence's energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and alignment with sustainable building practices.

### Spatial Organization
The design features a layout that prioritizes airflow and daylight, characterized by two primary masses. Key elements include:
1. **Entrance Design**: An angled entrance enhances privacy, directing visitors to the main living area while offering views of a central atrium courtyard.
2. **Courtyard**: Serving as a focal point, the courtyard encourages community interaction while creating an inviting private space.
3. **Flexible Spaces**: The incorporation of FlexModules permits adaptability for varied functions, such as guest accommodations or workspaces.
4. **Ventilation Strategy**: Strategically placed windows and architectural elements promote passive ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
5. **Interior Aesthetics**: The use of warm colors and natural materials links the interior spaces to the external environment, echoing the overall design language.

These design choices facilitate an effective blend of functionality, comfort, and aesthetic value while addressing environmental considerations.

### Sustainability Strategies
The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through several key measures:
- **Solar Panel System**: Designed to meet household energy needs and limit dependence on external power sources.
- **Water Management Practices**: Includes rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing systems, promoting the conservation of water resources.
- **Waste Management Integration**: Efficient waste disposal systems are incorporated, emphasizing local service partnerships.

In terms of cultural sensitivity, the design reflects local customs and materials while maintaining a modern sensibility. The anticipated construction cost is designed to align with the economic realities of residential development in the UAE, thereby supporting local economies and craftsmanship.

### Advanced Technologies
Additionally, the integration of climate-smart technology features, including water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient devices, positions the residence as a forward-thinking example in the field of sustainable architecture.

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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.

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Eligibility Open to all
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