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Utilizing Mud and Limestone for Sustainable Desert Living Solutions

Utilizing Mud and Limestone for Sustainable Desert Living Solutions
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Incorporating locally sourced limestone and mud, the design creates a self-sustaining community that effectively addresses the challenges of desert living while promoting environmental sensitivity and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mud and limestone as primary building materials for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates wind catchers for passive cooling, reducing energy demand.
03
Integrates vertical farming systems within residential units for food self-sufficiency.
04
Employs rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for effective water management.
05
Features a layout that encourages community interaction while ensuring privacy.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the "Desert Oasis" community is designed to address the challenges of living in arid environments through an off-grid, self-sustaining approach. It integrates modern building practices with traditional principles to create a sustainable living environment that emphasizes energy independence, water conservation, food production, and the use of eco-friendly materials. The overarching goal is to establish a harmonious relationship between residents and the natural desert landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization promotes community connectivity while preserving individual privacy. Residential units are strategically positioned to create defined zones, facilitating intimate living arrangements. The layout includes a basement for storage, a ground floor containing living and service areas, and upper levels accommodating bedrooms and recreational spaces. This configuration allows for adaptability to accommodate growing families or multi-generational households, reflecting the project’s focus on flexibility.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies
The use of locally sourced materials, such as limestone, mud, and seashells, is a fundamental aspect of the design, contributing to the building's sustainability and environmental integration. Limestone serves as an insulator, while mud enhances thermal mass for energy efficiency. Seashells are employed for structural support and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the project incorporates passive cooling techniques, including wind towers and automated airflow systems, to maintain comfortable interior conditions without relying on excessive energy consumption. Comprehensive water management strategies ensure efficient collection, purification, and reuse of this vital resource.

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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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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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