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Recycled Plastics and Adobe Solutions for Sustainable Desert Community Living

Recycled Plastics and Adobe Solutions for Sustainable Desert Community Living
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Utilizing recycled plastics and adobe, the design creates a sustainable living environment that effectively addresses the challenges of desert habitation while fostering community interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adobe construction to enhance thermal mass, optimizing energy efficiency in a desert climate.
02
Incorporates recycled ocean plastics for structural elements, emphasizing sustainability in material selection.
03
Features semi-open community spaces that promote social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
04
Integrates water features throughout the site, creating microclimates that aid in cooling the environment.
05
Design allows for flexible layouts to adapt to changing community needs over time.

### Overview

Situated in a desert environment, the design project emphasizes a thoughtful integration of traditional and modern architectural principles while addressing the challenges of arid climates. The project prioritizes sustainability, utilizing adobe and recycled ocean plastics to embody a commitment to environmental responsibility. The overall intent is to create a cohesive living space that acknowledges the extremes of the desert while fostering a sense of community among its residents.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout employs a grid-like configuration that promotes connectivity and organization within the community. Each residential unit is designed with semi-open spaces that effectively balance privacy with opportunities for social interaction. Key features include patios equipped with water fountains that provide aesthetic value and cooling microclimates, as well as flexible indoor-outdoor spaces that streamline the transition between living areas and gardens. Centralized water features enhance tranquility and serve as focal points, while the integration of lush vegetation contrasts with the surrounding landscape and contributes to improved air quality.

### Material Selection and Structural Integrity

The project showcases a diverse palette of materials that enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects. Adobe is utilized for its thermal mass and stability, while recycled ocean plastics are incorporated to underscore sustainability. Extensive glass window areas facilitate natural light penetration, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Structural integrity is ensured through the implementation of steel in column and beam configurations, complemented by warm wood elements used in doors and furniture to foster a tactile and inviting atmosphere. Concrete serves as a durable and maintenance-friendly flooring option.

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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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