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Solar-Activated Façade with Native Landscaping for Sustainable Living

Solar-Activated Façade with Native Landscaping for Sustainable Living
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Integrating a solar-activated façade with locally sourced materials and native landscaping, this residence exemplifies environmental sensitivity while providing a harmonious living environment in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a solar-activated façade that enhances energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize carbon footprint.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for optimal ventilation and light.
05
Landscapes integrate native vegetation to promote local biodiversity.

## Project Overview

The 60° House is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is designed to address contemporary residential needs while honoring local cultural contexts. The project aims to integrate innovation with sustainability, prioritizing functionality and aesthetic coherence. Its design is rooted in the foundational principles of the Golden Ratio, promoting both flexibility in living spaces and the preservation of Emirati heritage.

## Spatial Configuration

The spatial organization of the 60° House emphasizes diverse social interactions through flexible zones. The building’s form features strategically placed openings that enhance natural ventilation, a critical consideration for the hot Dubai climate. The arrangement of spaces follows a proportional grid, facilitating both functional layouts and engaging sight lines. This approach carefully balances privacy in personal areas with openness in communal spaces.

## Sustainable Materials and Systems

The selection of materials is instrumental in minimizing the home's environmental footprint while enhancing overall energy efficiency. Locally sourced sustainable materials are utilized throughout, including a secondary skin constructed from solar photovoltaic cells. This façade not only provides shading and privacy but also integrates solar technology to support the home’s energy needs. Additionally, the landscaping employs native plants and permeable pavement systems, contributing to enhanced air quality and stormwater management. These features reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility, particularly within the region's challenging climatic conditions.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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