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Wind Towers and Perforated Facades in a Sustainable Courtyard Home

Wind Towers and Perforated Facades in a Sustainable Courtyard Home
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Incorporating wind towers and perforated facades, the design seamlessly integrates traditional Emirati elements with contemporary materials to create a sustainable courtyard home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates traditional Barjeel wind towers for natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes perforated facades to control light and reduce heat gain.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance community interaction.
04
Constructed with locally sourced sandstone and limestone for sustainability.
05
Features modular design for flexibility and future expansion capabilities.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, "Age of Fusion" merges traditional Emirati architectural elements with contemporary design principles to enhance residential living. This initiative preserves historical influences while integrating modern functionality, addressing the evolving urban landscape and the community's needs. The design seeks to provide a sustainable and efficient living environment, reflecting both cultural heritage and innovative solutions.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The open layout prioritizes versatility, accommodating both communal interactions and private moments. A central courtyard serves as a multifunctional space that fosters social engagement while ensuring privacy. Wind towers, inspired by traditional Barjeel structures, enhance passive cooling and natural ventilation, exemplifying a sustainable approach to climate adaptation. Additionally, a designated Family Majlis reflects cultural traditions, connecting indoor spaces with adjacent outdoor areas and reinforcing community ties.

### Materials and Sustainability

The selection of materials aims to uphold local traditions while optimizing environmental performance. Conventional concrete ensures structural integrity, while sandstone and limestone are strategically used for their aesthetic appeal and minimal transportation impacts. Perforated facades facilitate light entry and ventilation, while integrated green roofs and landscaping enhance insulation and promote biodiversity. Construction methods combine prefabrication with local craftsmanship, enabling efficient site assembly without compromising design authenticity. The project incorporates renewable energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient technologies, establishing a standard for zero-energy residences in urban environments.

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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.

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