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Three-Layered Walls and Movable Spaces Define Sustainable Family Living

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Three-Layered Walls and Movable Spaces Define Sustainable Family Living
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With three-layered walls and adaptable interior spaces, this residence utilizes passive cooling strategies and sustainable materials to create a versatile family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three-layered walls enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency.
02
The roof design incorporates movable shading devices for optimized natural ventilation.
03
Indoor gardens are strategically integrated to improve air quality and aesthetics.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are seamlessly integrated into the architecture.
05
Flexible interior partitions allow for dynamic reconfiguration of living spaces.

## Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design integrates contemporary Emirati living through innovative spatial arrangements and sustainable practices. The intent is to preserve traditional cultural elements while providing functional spaces for both large family gatherings and individual privacy. The architecture fosters a strong connection with the surrounding landscape, featuring strategically placed indoor gardens that enhance natural light and air circulation throughout the residence.

## Architectural Strategy
### Spatial Configuration
The layout encompasses two levels, with communal areas such as the living room, dining space, and kitchen located on the ground floor. The upper level is reserved for private bedrooms, establishing a clear spatial hierarchy that encourages family engagement while allowing for personal retreats. The design emphasizes both social connectivity and privacy, creating an adaptable environment suited for various interactions and events.

### Sustainable Material Selection
The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through the careful choice of materials. Concrete forms the primary structural framework, providing both durability and thermal mass. A three-layered exterior wall system incorporates internal insulation, aesthetic outer layers, and a glass layer to optimize natural light and ventilation. Wood is employed in sliding panels and landscaped elements, offering a contrast to the concrete while maintaining a warm aesthetic. The integration of solar panels into the roof design underscores the building's energy efficiency and commitment to renewable energy, while shading systems utilizing fiberglass and fabrics serve to enhance sun control without compromising the overall design.

### Innovative Features
Key features include a shading concept with movable shades that promote passive ventilation and reduce energy use, as well as water towers equipped with advanced cooling technology to ensure indoor comfort. Movable walls create flexible spaces, allowing the homeowners to adjust the layout based on specific needs, effectively accommodating both casual and formal gatherings.

## Environmental Performance
### Passive Cooling Strategies
The design emphasizes natural ventilation through high ceilings and thoughtfully positioned roof elements, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. The orientation of windows and shading devices is strategically planned to optimize natural light while controlling heat gain, contributing to year-round occupant comfort.

### Off-Grid Functionality
The residence incorporates sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting and strategically designed storage systems, to ensure a consistent water supply. Photovoltaic cells are integrated into the architecture to support a net-zero energy model, highlighting the building’s ecological sustainability goals.

### Material Palette
- Concrete
- Fiberglass
- Wood (Sliding Panels)
- Solar Panels
- Three-layered Glass

This design exemplifies how architecture can address cultural and environmental challenges while promoting innovation and sustainability in residential spaces.

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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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