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Recycled Concrete and Solar Panels Enhance Cultural Resilience in a Modern Family Home

Recycled Concrete and Solar Panels Enhance Cultural Resilience in a Modern Family Home
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Utilizing recycled concrete and integrated solar panels, the design fosters cultural identity and environmental sustainability in a contemporary family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled concrete is utilized extensively throughout the structure for sustainability.
02
The design incorporates solar panels that optimize energy efficiency for everyday use.
03
Pallet wood is employed for interior finishes, emphasizing local sourcing and environmental impact.
04
Natural ventilation strategies are implemented to enhance indoor air quality and comfort.
05
A dedicated majlis space fosters cultural interaction and social gatherings within the home.

### Overview

The project is located in Dubai and aims to create a holistic living environment that prioritizes sustainability, privacy, and social interaction. It integrates diverse elements to balance individual family needs with shared social spaces and environmental considerations, reflecting local cultural sensibilities while adapting to modern efficiencies.

### Design Philosophy

The design emphasizes a harmonious blend of traditional influences and contemporary needs. It is structured around principles of privacy, community, and sustainability, advocating for a cohesive living experience that respects cultural values while adapting to current lifestyles. The architecture reflects a commitment to creating spaces that enhance social interaction, with specific attention paid to the arrangement of public, private, and service areas to optimize usability.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout is organized into three defined scales: macro, meso, and micro. At the macro level, the division into high and low-activity zones optimizes energy and water resource use. The meso level integrates culturally significant spaces, such as the "majlis," to facilitate gatherings while seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments. The micro level focuses on the design of individual spaces, ensuring that living areas promote both privacy and shared experiences. This configuration supports family dynamics, with an open-plan ground floor encouraging communal activities, while the first floor ensures quietude through private quarters.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects both aesthetic choices and a commitment to sustainable practices. Recycled concrete is utilized for cost-effective construction, while white tiles enhance energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight. Local pallet wood serves decorative purposes, and gypsum board is chosen for its affordability and recyclability. Sustainable features include water harvesting systems, natural ventilation via louver windows, and a greywater recycling system, all designed to minimize environmental impact.

### Cultural Engagement

The architectural design resonates with Emirati culture, providing spaces that balance privacy with opportunities for community interaction. The majlis room is pivotal for family bonding and discourse, reinforcing the home’s social framework. The patterned façade serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing privacy and facilitating the play of light and shadow. Outdoor terraces and courtyards extend living spaces, fostering a connection to the natural surroundings and enriching the overall living experience.

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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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