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Thermal Efficiency Through 3d-Printed Clay and Photovoltaic Integration in Residential Design

Thermal Efficiency Through 3d-Printed Clay and Photovoltaic Integration in Residential Design
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Utilizing hydroponic clay fences and a windcatcher for passive cooling, the design enhances energy efficiency while fostering community interaction within a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional *Malgaf* windcatcher for natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates hydroponic clay fences to improve air quality.
03
Employs 3D printing technology for customized clay wall construction.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels seamlessly into the roof design.
05
Features a central patio for enhanced community interaction and cooling.

# House of Breeze

## Overview
Located in the arid landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the House of Breeze integrates traditional architectural elements with modern sustainable technologies. The design aims to create a residential space that promotes eco-friendly living while addressing the climatic challenges of the region. Key principles include passive cooling and energy efficiency, achieved through careful consideration of natural ventilation and the thermal properties of materials.

## Spatial Strategy
At the core of the design is a focus on optimizing airflow and natural lighting. The layout employs simple geometric forms, evolving into a complex arrangement centered around a communal patio that encourages family interaction. The building orientation is strategically positioned to take advantage of prevailing winds, fostering a natural cooling effect throughout the interior. This approach promotes not just utility but also a sense of community within the dwelling.

### Key Architectural Elements
The façade features a dynamic composition of solid and void spaces, with semi-porous walls designed to enhance thermal performance. Palm-frond patterns serve both an aesthetic and functional role, facilitating airflow and creating a microclimate. The interior is organized into distinct zones, separating communal and private spaces, which include living areas on the ground floor and bedrooms on the upper level.

## Material Strategy
The House of Breeze utilizes locally sourced stone for external walls, creating a connection with the desert environment. Key materials include 3D printed clay bricks designed to support natural ventilation, and integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof for solar energy generation. Strategically placed glass elements enhance natural light while maintaining connectivity to the external landscape. A hydroponic clay fence not only acts as a biofilter but also contributes to aesthetic value and biodiversity, complementing the sustainable ethos of the project.

### Sustainable Systems
Innovative systems such as the El Malgaf wind-catch are employed to enhance indoor air quality by directing cooler air from upper floors to living spaces below. The commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the integration of renewable energy sources and passive cooling techniques, ensuring minimal energy consumption. The hydroponic clay fence also supports community engagement through vertical gardening initiatives, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared resources among neighbors.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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