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Raw Earth Construction with Traditional Wind Towers in a Community-Oriented Residence
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Constructed from 3D-printed raw earth and featuring traditional wind towers, this community-oriented residence emphasizes sustainable living through its unique material use and design, fostering a harmonious indoor-outdoor connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed walls made from raw earth and local waste materials.
02
Incorporates traditional wind towers to enhance passive ventilation and cooling.
03
Features a Zen Garden designed for tranquility and biodiversity.
04
Emphasizes self-sufficiency with areas dedicated to fruit and vegetable cultivation.
05
Integrates geometric alignments towards Qibla for spiritual orientation.

**Overview**

Sakan-e-Noor, located in Al Warqa, Dubai, integrates modern design principles with elements of traditional Islamic architecture. The project aims to foster a contemporary living environment that respects and reflects the cultural heritage of the region. Its strategic site layout enhances natural light and ventilation while supporting sustainability initiatives, addressing the needs of its residents in a rapidly developing urban context.

**Zoning Concept**

The design is organized into four distinct zones, each serving a unique purpose:

- **MAWA - Space of Tranquility:** A Zen Garden designed as a Xeriscape, this zone promotes relaxation through the inclusion of vegetation and natural features.
- **NAEEM - Luxurious Adobe:** This zone focuses on well-lit, comfortable interiors that enhance the living experience through abundant natural daylight.
- **FIRDAUS - Garden with River:** This multipurpose courtyard incorporates a water element that adds aesthetic appeal while maintaining privacy through natural barriers.
- **ADN - A Place for Fruits:** This area encourages self-sufficiency, allowing residents to grow native plants and vegetables, thus reinforcing a connection to nature.

**Architectural Composition**

The house employs a contextual grid approach to zoning that establishes a relationship between public and private spaces through an integrated courtyard design, reflecting traditional Arabic architecture. Setback regulations maintain privacy and minimize noise, while the design incorporates natural ventilation by harnessing prevailing northwest winds.

**Materiality**

A diverse palette of materials has been selected for their functional and aesthetic qualities:

- **3D-Printed Walls:** Utilizing local earth and waste materials, the walls feature two modular types, designed to cut building costs and reduce environmental impact.
- **Natural Finishes:** Weaved thatched patterns draw inspiration from local crafts, enhancing visual appeal and cultural significance.
- **Barjeel (Wind Tower):** This integral feature facilitates natural cooling, promoting thermal comfort while referencing traditional elements of regional architecture.

**Interior Spaces**

The Majlis seating area balances openness with intimacy through expansive glazing and wooden screens, which provide both light and privacy. The longitudinal sections (AA) demonstrate a well-considered spatial distribution, allowing for fluid movement among sleeping quarters, family areas, and communal spaces, thereby fostering social interaction.

**Sustainability Features**

High sustainability standards are a core aspect of the project. Natural ventilation is prioritized to maximize cross-breezes and reduce dependence on HVAC systems. Future plans include the incorporation of solar panels to promote renewable energy use within the residence.

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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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