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Solar-Focusing Circular Home Featuring Dri-Design Cassette Panels for Enhanced Sustainability

Solar-Focusing Circular Home Featuring Dri-Design Cassette Panels for Enhanced Sustainability
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A solar-focusing circular design utilizing Dri-Design cassette panels promotes energy efficiency and resilience, offering a sustainable living solution in tropical savanna climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on columns to minimize flood risk and facilitate ventilation.
02
Rotatable roof design maximizes solar energy capture throughout the day.
03
Dri-Design cassette panels streamline construction and enhance thermal efficiency.
04
Circular layout optimizes space utilization and promotes natural light distribution.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports water independence in dry conditions.

# Project Overview

The "1.5°C" modular house is situated in a tropical savanna climate, designed to address the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. The intent is to create a resilient and sustainable dwelling that incorporates advanced technologies while harmonizing with the natural environment. This project aligns with the UN's IPCC Sixth Assessment Report guidelines, promoting strategies for sustainable living that are adaptable to changing ecological conditions.

## Environmental Context

Elevating the house on columns plays a vital role in its design, providing a foundation that protects against flooding and other adverse weather impacts. This approach reflects current architectural discussions surrounding resilience in the face of climate change. The tropical savanna environment, characterized by variable temperatures and rainfall patterns, directly influences the building's design decisions, ensuring it meets the demands of its context.

## Design Elements

### Materiality

The selection of materials in this project reflects a commitment to sustainability and functionality:

1. **Plaster with Finishing**: Enhances aesthetics and improves indoor air quality.
2. **Structural Insulation Panels**: Achieve superior thermal performance, essential for withstanding extreme weather conditions.
3. **Dri-Design Cassette System**: Provides a lightweight and durable structure that minimizes labor and assembly time.

These materials collectively contribute to the building's overall efficiency, integrating sustainable practices into the design process.

### Spatial Configuration

The circular layout of the house facilitates an effective spatial organization, enhancing both comfort and utility. Key areas include:

- **Living/Working Area**: A versatile space adaptable to various functions.
- **Sleeping Area**: Designed for comfort with flexible arrangements.
- **Cooking Facilities**: Implements compact, mobile components to optimize available space.
- **Bathroom and Storage Solutions**: Efficiently designed for accessibility without compromising usability.

This configuration allows for ample natural light throughout the space, creating an inviting atmosphere suitable for the tropical climate.

## Sustainability Features

Sustainability is prioritized through various integrated systems:

- **Solar Panels and Photovoltaic Integration**: The retractable roof design adjusts to weather conditions, optimizing energy capture.
- **Water Management Systems**: Features include rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to ensure efficient water usage.
- **Waste Management**: Incorporates a dry compostable toilet to minimize environmental impact.

These features aim to establish a self-sustaining residence that reduces reliance on external resources, aligning with low-carbon future objectives.

## Unique Aspects

Distinctive elements of the project include:

- **Rotatable Roof Design**: Enhances energy efficiency by adjusting to maximize solar exposure throughout the day.
- **Modular Structure**: Facilitates easy transportation and quick assembly, catering to both temporary and permanent residential needs.
- **Innovative Furniture Design**: Multifunctional furniture such as foldable desks and chairs optimize space while maintaining usability.

These characteristics underscore the project’s adaptability and comfort, addressing the requirements of living in a challenging climatic context.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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