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Ventilated Facades and Palm Fronds Define Sustainable Multi-Unit Living in Arid Environments

Ventilated Facades and Palm Fronds Define Sustainable Multi-Unit Living in Arid Environments
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Utilizing ventilated facades and locally-sourced palm fronds, the design integrates sustainable materials to create an efficient multi-family residential environment suited to arid climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes palm fronds for roof shading, enhancing natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates a flexible floor plan that adapts to evolving resident needs.
03
Features communal gardens designed to foster neighborhood interaction.
04
Employs lightweight metal structures to reduce overall building weight.
05
Integrates passive cooling strategies to minimize energy consumption.

## Overview
Located in the arid regions of the United Arab Emirates, this residential design project seeks to create sustainable, efficient living spaces that respond to the specific challenges of desert climates. By integrating traditional Emirati architectural practices with contemporary design innovations, the project aims to improve the quality of life for inhabitants while fostering a robust sense of community. The intention is to develop homes that serve as functional nodes within a cohesive neighborhood, promoting both private living and public interaction.

## Structural and Spatial Strategy
The design adopts a multi-dimensional approach, utilizing plots of 15m by 30m to create homes with a total area of 450 square meters. The layout organizes spaces into two primary functions: family and guest areas, which enhances adaptability and encourages social engagement. The geometric form of the house comprises multiple sides, allowing for varied room configurations and the inclusion of numerous patios that maximize outdoor utility while minimizing the built footprint.

The floor plans span two levels, featuring designated rooms for living, dining, and outdoor terraces that facilitate interaction among residents. Careful attention has been paid to the organization of space to promote natural ventilation and daylighting, enhancing the overall user experience.

## Material Selection
A focus on sustainability informs the material choices throughout the design. Palm fronds are employed for ventilated roofs and facades, offering an eco-friendly shading solution that reduces heat transfer. Reinforced concrete serves as a durable material for load-bearing structures, capable of withstanding the severe environmental conditions of the region. Lightweight metal structures complement the design, providing necessary support while allowing for expansive openings in the walls.

These materials not only meet functional requirements but also reflect the rich architectural heritage of the UAE, merging traditional aesthetics with modern living standards. The integration of these resources underscores a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint while enhancing the well-being of future residents.

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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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