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Vegetal Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Modern Dubai Villa Design

Vegetal Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Modern Dubai Villa Design
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Incorporating mineral and vegetal cladding alongside expansive glazing, this villa in Dubai emphasizes sustainability and environmental integration while serving as a modern family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green wall on the northern facade to enhance thermal performance.
02
Utilizes photovoltaic films on the roof for energy efficiency.
03
Features a flexible layout to adapt to changing family needs.
04
Integrates natural elements through a landscaped setting with native plants.
05
Employs a modular facade design allowing customizable exterior aesthetics.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the villa is a contemporary residential design that emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic cohesion with the surrounding environment. The project adheres to local construction regulations while focusing on creating adaptable living spaces that evolve with the changing needs of its inhabitants. This approach ensures that the home maintains relevance in a rapidly transforming urban context.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Layout
The villa is structured across three levels: a basement, ground floor, and first floor, thoughtfully arranged to optimize the site’s characteristics. The **basement** accommodates utility spaces, including a maid's room, laundry, and storage, effectively separating these functional areas from the primary living spaces above. The **ground floor** features an open layout with interconnected kitchen, dining, and living areas, all accessible from a central entrance designed to facilitate social interaction. To discreetly maintain functionality, a separate annex for staff access is positioned away from the main entrance. The **first floor** serves as a private retreat, comprising multiple bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies that extend the living spaces outdoors.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
The selection of materials reflects both durability and ecological mindfulness. The use of **mineral and vegetal cladding** not only enhances thermal performance but also contributes to sustainable design principles. **Brick** walls provide an appealing texture while ensuring structural integrity, and **stone cladding** references traditional architectural elements prevalent in the region. Resilient **teak wood** is employed in areas vulnerable to termite activity, ensuring longevity. To enhance energy efficiency, **photovoltaic films** are incorporated into the roof, while extensive use of **glass** in windows and balcony railings promotes abundant natural light and expansive views.

### Integration with Landscape
The villa’s design promotes a strong connection with its landscape, featuring facades that include shaded protrusions to mitigate heat and strategically placed openings for natural illumination. The northern facade is enhanced by a green wall that reflects the topography of Downtown Dubai, while the southern facade prioritizes functional shading. The surrounding landscape includes diverse green spaces, such as an English courtyard and terraced areas, fostering a serene environment for relaxation and leisure activities. A swimming pool further enhances the outdoor experience, integrating seamlessly with the overall design.

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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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