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Terracotta and Timber Integration in a Desert Community Design

Terracotta and Timber Integration in a Desert Community Design
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Interlocking terracotta and timber structures respond to the desert environment, creating a cohesive residential community that prioritizes sustainability and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking volumes create distinct yet connected spaces that enhance community interaction.
02
Terracotta bricks integrate traditional construction techniques with contemporary design for durability.
03
Vegetable fiber panels provide innovative shading while reducing environmental impact.
04
Modular layouts allow for flexible, adaptive living spaces tailored to individual needs.
05
Natural cooling strategies effectively regulate indoor temperatures in arid conditions.

### Project Overview

Located in the desert region of Dubai, "The Origins in Pieces" integrates historical influences with contemporary design approaches to address local cultural and environmental conditions. The project emphasizes a fragmented architectural language that reflects the complexity of the urban context, aimed at fostering connections among various elements of the landscape and promoting interactions among inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The design features a grid-like arrangement of interlocking volumes, facilitating a clear hierarchy between public and private spaces. Public areas, such as outdoor courtyards, serve as gathering spots that visually and functionally connect with the landscape, while private zones are organized around enclosed courtyards, ensuring a sheltered environment that balances natural light and ventilation. The circulation throughout the space mimics the traditional medina experience, where pathways and gardens create an exploratory environment, enhancing the residents' relationship with their surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A focus on sustainable materiality defines the project, utilizing terracotta bricks for heat insulation, timber for modular construction, and concrete for structural integrity. Additionally, vegetable fiber panels provide natural shading, solar panels ensure energy efficiency, and hydroponic systems promote sustainable water usage. This strategic selection of materials is designed to withstand the climatic challenges of the desert while supporting environmental sustainability. The integration of systems for evaporative cooling and water harvesting further enhances the project's ecological performance, establishing a commitment to promoting a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the desert landscape.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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