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Windcatchers and Adobe Construction Enhancing Natural Ventilation in a Desert Residence

Windcatchers and Adobe Construction Enhancing Natural Ventilation in a Desert Residence
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Employing traditional windcatchers and adobe materials to achieve effective natural ventilation, the residence seamlessly integrates local architectural heritage with modern living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Traditional windcatchers channel cooling breezes throughout the home.
02
Adobe construction enhances thermal mass and energy efficiency.
03
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass openings.
04
The layout promotes a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
05
Local ceramic tiles provide both aesthetic value and functional benefits.

### Concept Overview

Located in the Yazd region of Iran, the project "Water and the Mirror" explores the integration of cultural heritage within contemporary living spaces. By reinterpreting traditional architectural elements, such as wind catchers (badgirs), the design aims to maintain the essence of historical practices while meeting the practical needs of modern lifestyles. Central to the design is the relationship between water, light, and spatial organization, which informs both functional and aesthetic considerations in addressing the local climate's challenges.

### Spatial Organization and Interaction

The layout features a deliberate transition from communal to private areas, enhancing social interaction in shared spaces like the kitchen and living room while preserving intimacy in personal zones such as the bedrooms. This open-plan design fosters a sense of community while catering to contemporary living requirements. Strategic openings allow for the flow of natural light, resulting in an engaging interplay between interior and exterior environments that invites the landscape into the living areas.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Materiality is a critical aspect of the design, with choices reflecting both tradition and modern sensibilities. Adobe bricks are used for thermal regulation, while large glass windows facilitate ample daylight, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. The incorporation of wood in furniture and door frames adds warmth, while locally crafted tiles contribute to thermal comfort and visual appeal. The project emphasizes sustainability through passive cooling strategies, ensuring the dwelling remains livable within the context of the region's extreme climate while retaining a narrative that honors Yazd's architectural heritage.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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