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Wind Towers and Mudbrick Integration in Climate-Responsive Housing

Wind Towers and Mudbrick Integration in Climate-Responsive Housing
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Incorporating wind towers for natural ventilation and crafted from sustainable mudbrick, this residence offers a climate-responsive solution that enhances community living and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers to enhance natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
Utilizes locally sourced mudbrick for sustainable thermal mass and insulation.
03
Features integrated landscaping that supports local biodiversity and aesthetic continuity.
04
Design includes adaptable spaces that can evolve with occupants' changing needs.
05
Central courtyard fosters community interaction while connecting indoor and outdoor environments.

## Project Overview

The Wāha Series presents an architectural approach that redefines residential living by considering homes as integrated environmental systems rather than isolated structures. Located in a diverse climatic region, the design emphasizes user comfort and sustainable practices, merging living spaces with their surrounding context. The intent is to create a responsive dwelling experience that aligns with the dynamic environmental conditions and social needs of its occupants.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout of the Wāha Series consists of interconnected pavilions that balance privacy with communal engagement. Each pavilion is designed to facilitate natural circulation, enhancing interaction among family members while accommodating their individual needs. Central to this configuration is a courtyard that serves as a communal gathering space, linking the interior with outdoor environments. The architectonic forms incorporate sweeping curves and organic shapes, fostering visual connections and promoting movement throughout the residence.

### Materials and Passive Design Strategies

The project employs a thoughtfully selected palette of materials that prioritize both aesthetic qualities and sustainability. Mud bricks are utilized for their thermal mass, contributing to effective temperature regulation, while clay plaster provides a natural finish that enhances the home’s thermal performance. Wood is prominently featured in framing and furnishings, promoting warmth and sustainability. Glass is strategically incorporated to facilitate natural light and establish views of the landscape.

Additionally, the reliance on passive climate control techniques is evident in features such as wind towers, which optimize airflow, and automatically regulating shutter windows designed to adapt to varying climatic conditions. Integrated landscaping plays a crucial role in enhancing air quality and providing shade, thereby supporting local biodiversity while fostering community interaction through well-designed shared areas such as the family entrance and kitchen garden.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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