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Sustainable Living Defined Through Natural Clay Façade and Glass Corridors in Family-Centric Design

Sustainable Living Defined Through Natural Clay Façade and Glass Corridors in Family-Centric Design
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A seamless blend of a natural clay façade and expansive glass corridors creates a transparent connection among family members in a residence tailored for modern living in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a glass corridor as a central feature to enhance visibility and connection among family members.
02
Incorporates solar panels within a metal shell for energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
03
Utilizes a natural clay texture on the façade to improve thermal performance and reflect sunlight.
04
Integrates cultural architectural elements from Emirati heritage into the contemporary design.
05
Allows for future expansion with adaptable spaces designed for evolving family needs.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the Family Construction project embodies a contemporary approach to architectural design that emphasizes familial unity within a modern context. The design interprets traditional values through innovative living spaces, resulting in an environment conducive to fostering connections among family members. The project's framework reflects Dubai's rapid urbanization while respecting its architectural heritage.

### Spatial Strategy and Functional Design

The organization of space prioritizes functionality, minimizing wasted areas and ensuring that each zone serves a distinct purpose. The central staircase, positioned strategically within a glass corridor, enhances accessibility while maintaining privacy for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas. Two primary mass forms flank this corridor to achieve a balanced relationship between communal and private spaces. Furthermore, the design features a basement and ground floor layout that allows for future expansion, accommodating the evolving needs of families as children grow.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

Material choices play a crucial role in the overall design. Extensive use of glass not only facilitates natural light penetration but also reinforces a sense of connection among inhabitants. A metal shell inspired by traditional Dubai balustrades, which incorporates solar panels, highlights the project's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, natural clay-textured cladding enhances temperature control by reflecting sunlight, contributing to energy efficiency. Passive cooling techniques and strategically placed ventilation grilles pay homage to local architectural practices while addressing environmental considerations. The design’s aesthetic draws from historical influences, with cubic forms and decorative elements creating a dialogue between past and present, ultimately serving both functional and cultural purposes.

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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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