Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Salvaged Timber and Sustainable Sandstone Form a Climate-Responsive Residence in a Desert Environment

Author:
Salvaged Timber and Sustainable Sandstone Form a Climate-Responsive Residence in a Desert Environment
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing salvaged timber and sustainable sandstone, the design creates a resilient, climate-responsive residence that harmonizes with its desert landscape while accommodating family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a solar chimney for natural ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling.
02
Features a living roof to enhance biodiversity and thermal performance.
03
Constructed with reclaimed wood, emphasizing resource conservation.
04
Integrates a thermal buffer in the underground basement for climate regulation.
05
Designed with a modular approach to accommodate future expansion needs.

### Overview

Located within a dynamic context, “## UNDER MOUNTAIN” exemplifies the integration of advanced technology and sustainable practices in architectural design. The project draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape, incorporating a double hashtag symbol (# #) alongside mountain motifs, which embodies the connection between structural elements and environmental contexts. By emphasizing Dubai's cultural values, the design embraces communal ties while fostering an innovative relationship between form and function.

### Environmental Strategies

The architectural design prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency through several key features. A solar chimney and wind catcher system are utilized to promote natural cooling, addressing the challenges posed by Dubai's climate. Additionally, an underground basement facilitates air circulation, leveraging cooler air to enhance internal climate regulation. This layered approach to thermal control exemplifies energy-efficient living strategies while addressing the needs of both community interaction and individual privacy through distinct public and private spaces.

### Material Selection

Sustainable material choices are central to the project’s design ethos. Recycled eco-friendly porcelain, reclaimed wood, and sustainable sandstone made from salt are employed to create an aesthetic rich in both character and ecological responsibility. These materials contribute to the overall visual appeal of the design while minimizing the ecological footprint. The thoughtful integration of these resources aligns with a commitment to opulence that is in harmony with environmental mindfulness, reinforcing the project's contemporary narrative.

### Architectural Features

Innovative design elements further define the project, such as a roof structure featuring tubing for shading and cooling, complemented by vegetation that enhances biodiversity. The facades integrate organic patterns which provide shading, reducing reliance on artificial cooling and lighting. Designed with modularity and expandability in mind, the structure can transition into a high-rise format, ensuring adaptability to urban demands while maintaining a cohesive architectural vision.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
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
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

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
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
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

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