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Textured Concrete and Stone-Carved Jali Integrate Within a Sustainable Desert Family Home

Textured Concrete and Stone-Carved Jali Integrate Within a Sustainable Desert Family Home
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Combining textured concrete with intricately designed stone-carved Jali screens, the residence seamlessly integrates passive cooling techniques within a sustainable family home in a desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional stone-carved Jali screens for natural light and privacy.
02
Features a windcatcher for passive cooling, enhancing thermal comfort.
03
Uses textured concrete for exterior durability and environmental integration.
04
Includes communal outdoor Majlis, promoting social interaction.
05
Designed with solar panels to support energy efficiency and sustainability.

### Overview
Located in a desert setting, the architectural design incorporates traditional Emirati elements alongside contemporary aesthetics to create a family-oriented residence. The intent is to evoke comfort and tranquility while respecting the cultural heritage of Dubai. The design approach ensures a lasting architectural narrative that resonates with the emotions and memories associated with home.

### Spatial Organization
The intentional layout segregates private and semi-private spaces to enhance usability. The ground floor includes a Majlis, serving as a formal living area that fosters social interaction, alongside a service block that houses essential utility spaces such as the kitchen and pantry, maintaining privacy for residents. The first floor comprises private quarters, including a master bedroom and additional bedrooms, each designed to provide comfort and a sense of serenity. Visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas emphasizes open, inviting living environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is pivotal in achieving both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Textured concrete is utilized for the exterior, providing durability and a tactile experience. Stone-carved jali screens facilitate privacy while enhancing natural light penetration. Sandstone breeze blocks offer aesthetic richness through intricate patterns, while bronze framing contributes both support and a modern touch to the traditional design. The interior features polished marble flooring for a refined atmosphere, complemented by fabric shades that provide necessary protection from the desert sun. The incorporation of sustainable elements, such as solar panels, aligns with modern environmental considerations, underscoring a commitment to resource-conscious living.

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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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