Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Thermal Regulation Through Natural Plaster and Sustainable Timber in Contemporary Desert Living

Thermal Regulation Through Natural Plaster and Sustainable Timber in Contemporary Desert Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With its durable dome structures crafted from reinforced concrete and sustainable timber, the design harmonizes with the desert landscape while promoting community living through adaptive shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dome structures enhance thermal efficiency through passive cooling.
02
Community areas are integrated into the design to promote social interaction.
03
Natural plaster finishes blend seamlessly with the desert landscape.
04
Sustainable timber is used for both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
The layout maximizes airflow and natural light while ensuring privacy.

### Project Overview
Tuwaq Palace is located in a desert region and responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by its unique environment. The design merges contemporary architecture with cultural significance, aimed at fostering a sense of community while enhancing the relationship between the inhabitants and the surrounding landscape. The proposal emphasizes the concept of "Living Cells," which encapsulates an organic approach to both form and communal living.

### Spatial Arrangement and Design Elements
The layout establishes a clear flow from individual living units to communal spaces, facilitating social interaction and accessibility. The use of dome-shaped structures serves both as a nod to traditional tent forms and as an efficient means of thermal regulation, essential for desert climates. These units are strategically placed to create "pockets of lushness," integrating with existing vegetation to respect natural flora and promote biodiversity. Central to the design is a communal gathering space that allows for both indoor and outdoor activities, reinforcing community ties while offering protection from the elements.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The selection of materials prioritizes sustainability and contextual relevance. Reinforced concrete provides durability in the dome structures, while sustainable timber introduces warmth to interiors. Glass is utilized to maximize natural light and visual connection to the landscape, thus reducing energy consumption. Natural finish plasters harmonize with the desert's color palette, further enhancing the project's ecological footprint. Passive cooling strategies, such as overhangs and thermal mass, are incorporated to improve indoor comfort while minimizing dependency on mechanical systems, emphasizing a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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