Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vertical Louvers and Photovoltaic Solutions Enhancing Sustainable Living Near Ancient Pyramids

Author:
Yihia Qandil
Vertical Louvers and Photovoltaic Solutions Enhancing Sustainable Living Near Ancient Pyramids
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating vertical stone louvers and an innovative Eco-Shield, the design enhances sustainable living while providing a unique experience for visitors near the Great Pyramids.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Eco-Shield creates natural ventilation through positive and negative pressure.
02
Vertical stone louvers reduce solar radiation while allowing filtered light.
03
Photovoltaic panels contribute to energy generation on-site.
04
The layout promotes social interaction among users through thoughtful zoning.
05
Strategically located adjacent to the Great Pyramids enhances cultural immersion.

The 4th Micro-Wonder is located in Egypt, close to the Great Pyramids. It aims to enhance tourism by creating a space that offers meaningful spiritual and visual experiences for visitors. The design brings together elements of ancient culture and modern architectural approaches, focusing on sustainability and engagement with the environment. Thoughtful planning addresses both functionality and the historical context of the site.

Architectural Concept
The design features an envelope that honors the significance of the surrounding area while promoting environmental performance. The Eco-Shield is a key component, working to improve energy efficiency by utilizing natural light, ventilation, and temperature control. By bridging modern design with the historic elements of the site, the concept encourages a connection between visitors and the rich cultural heritage of Egypt.

Site Layout
The building is organized into several functional areas, including living and working spaces, a cooking area, a sleeping quarter, a WC/shower, and under stair storage. Each area serves a specific purpose while facilitating social interaction among users. This careful zoning maximizes space usage and balances privacy with community, resulting in a welcoming environment for guests.

Materiality
Material choices are straightforward but intentional. The project includes steel mesh, photovoltaic fiber optic components, timber structures, vertical stone louvers, stone walls, and timber-patterned windows. These selections reflect both modern sustainability practices and traditional construction techniques, allowing the building to merge naturally with its historic setting.

Sustainability Measures
The design employs various systems focused on energy efficiency and water management. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity, while gray water systems and roof harvesting techniques are used to manage water resources effectively. Organic waste is converted into biogas, showing a commitment to environmental responsibility that aligns with the project’s goals.

The façade displays vertical stone louvers that provide shade and allow light to enter the interior spaces. This thoughtful detail enhances the experience for users while maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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