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Sustainable Residence Featuring Coal Bottom Ash Construction and Traditional Wind Towers

Sustainable Residence Featuring Coal Bottom Ash Construction and Traditional Wind Towers
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Incorporating coal bottom ash for structural sustainability and traditional wind towers for enhanced ventilation, the residence harmonizes modern living with Emirati heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates coal bottom ash in concrete for reduced environmental impact.
02
Features traditional wind towers for passive ventilation and cooling.
03
Utilizes expansive glass windows to enhance natural lighting throughout.
04
Integrates landscaped outdoor spaces for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
05
Emphasizes a sandy color palette that reflects the surrounding desert landscape.

### Overview
Arabya Villa is a contemporary residential design located in the Emirates, drawing on traditional Emirati architectural elements while prioritizing modern functionality and sustainability. The villa's design responds to the surrounding desert landscape, employing features typical of regional architecture, including arches, domes, and wind towers (malqafs). Its strategic positioning within the natural terrain enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for significant natural light and openness.

### Spatial Organization
The villa’s layout is thoughtfully structured into three distinct zones: guest areas, family areas, and service zones. The guest zone features a traditional *kaa* (hall) that connects to a majlis and dining space, alongside a guest room with views of a garden, promoting hospitality inherent to Emirati culture. The family zone includes a living room equipped with modern amenities, an open kitchen, and a gym, while a dedicated entrance maintains privacy. The service zone is located in the basement, housing utility spaces designed to support daily life without detracting from the villa's aesthetic. Open courtyards are designed to enhance cross-ventilation and daylight access, fostering both spaciousness and intimacy within the home.

### Sustainable and Innovative Features
The architectural design incorporates sustainable materials, notably Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) in the concrete, to minimize environmental impact. Natural ventilation is enhanced through structural elements such as wind towers and integrated water features. Additionally, renewable energy is harnessed through solar panels that contribute to reducing the villa's ecological footprint. The design also thoughtfully accommodates future expansion, allowing for adaptations to meet changing family needs while preserving the original tranquility of the space. The external landscape features gardens and shaded areas that reflect a commitment to integrating the villa within its natural surroundings, promoting both aesthetic value and environmental functionality.

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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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