Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sustainable Living Through Green Roof Systems and Natural Light in Modern Concrete Design

Sustainable Living Through Green Roof Systems and Natural Light in Modern Concrete Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating a green roof system and traditional Barjeel for passive ventilation, this residence utilizes textured concrete and expansive glass to create a harmonious living environment in Dubai's unique climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a traditional Barjeel for natural ventilation.
02
Integrates a green roof system for thermal insulation.
03
Utilizes textured concrete for both aesthetics and performance.
04
Features extensive glass panels that maximize daylight.
05
Employs sustainable energy solutions including solar panels.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the residential design integrates traditional architectural aesthetics with contemporary design principles, focusing on energy-efficient living and modern technological applications. The intent is to address the unique climatic and cultural context of the region while promoting a blend of functionality and visual appeal.

### Design Integration
The architectural framework juxtaposes elements reminiscent of historical Dubai with modern features aimed at contemporary living. This duality is evident in the façade, which combines traditional Mashrabiya screens to enhance privacy and light penetration with expansive glass openings that foster a connection between interior and exterior spaces. The design is further enhanced by strategic night illumination, which highlights key architectural features and creates a compelling visual presence.

### Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a central theme of the design, evidenced by the incorporation of solar panels and a green roof system that supports biodiversity and stormwater management. The inclusion of a dual-function wind tower, or Barjeel, enhances natural ventilation, bridging traditional and modern architectural practices. Additionally, the implementation of a hydro-power system harnesses water flow on-site to supplement energy needs, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.

### Material Selection
The chosen materials reflect both aesthetic values and sustainable practices, ensuring durability and energy efficiency. Concrete blockwork provides structural strength, while large glass surfaces maximize light entry. Wood cladding introduces warmth and contrasts with the contemporary finishes. Marble and stone are used to evoke a sense of luxury, while specialized green roofing materials support plant growth and improve insulation properties. The hydro-power turbine components are engineered for efficiency and durability, contributing to the building's overall energy strategy.

### Layout and Functionality
The layout is designed to accommodate diverse living arrangements, enhancing both family life and social interactions. The basement focuses on utility and accessibility, with gardens integrated into the space. The ground floor features expansive open areas that connect to outdoor terraces, while the first floor prioritizes privacy through the careful placement of bedrooms and personal balconies. The integration of radiant floor heating and cooling systems enhances thermal comfort, further contributing to the building's energy efficiency.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

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
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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