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Water Wall System Enhances Energy Efficiency in a Modular Home

Authors:
Mohamed Elsherbeny, Ahmed Tarek, Taher Elaskary, Nourhane El-haridi
Water Wall System Enhances Energy Efficiency in a Modular Home
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The incorporation of a water wall system enhances thermal efficiency while using clear solar glass technology to generate energy, creating a modular home designed for sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The water wall system replaces traditional walls, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Condensing technology allows for water collection from the air.
03
Modular design accommodates various climatic conditions effectively.
04
The floor mechanism incorporates flexible wooden tubes for structural adaptability.
05
Clear solar glass enables windows to function as energy-generating panels.

The modular home emphasizes sustainability and efficiency through advanced prefabrication techniques. Located in an area suitable for both warm and cold climates, it serves as a single-family residence designed as a standalone unit. The overall concept focuses on interconnected high-tech blocks that streamline delivery and construction, making the building process quicker and less resource-intensive.

Wind Analysis Integration

A core aspect of the design is its adaptability to various climatic conditions. The home is tailored to perform well by incorporating environmental factors such as wind speed and direction into its structure. The inspiration from the Wind Rose concept provides insight into local wind patterns, directing the orientation and layout to improve energy efficiency.

Spatial Organization

The home layout is organized into five slices based on the wind rose analysis, aiding in modular assembly while ensuring structural stability. This organization enhances transportation logistics and promotes efficient space usage. The design includes distinct functional areas, such as living spaces, bedrooms, and service zones that cater to the daily needs of its occupants.

Water Conservation Strategy

An important feature of the design is the water wall, which replaces traditional masonry with containers filled with water. This choice takes advantage of water’s higher heat capacity, contributing to improved energy efficiency. Additionally, the home uses condensing technology to extract moisture from the air, providing potable water and reducing reliance on bottled water, which helps minimize plastic waste.

Innovative Floor Mechanism

The floor mechanism employs a system similar to a hand fan, combining flexible wooden tubes with fixed iron cone shapes anchored into the ground. This design allows for a strong yet adaptable structure, ensuring stability while making assembly easier. It also enhances the building's interaction with its environment.

Integrated Solar Technology

The design includes clear solar glass technology that allows windows to function as solar panels. This dual function captures solar energy while providing natural light, contributing to a reduced energy footprint and maintaining visual openness within the home.

The combination of these design elements illustrates a modern approach to residential living that focuses on functionality and ecological responsibility. Emphasizing water walls and solar technologies highlights the connection between the built environment and the natural world, paving the way for future developments in housing 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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