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Windcatchers and Natural Cooling: a Sustainable Residence Featuring Modular Concrete and Wood Construction

Windcatchers and Natural Cooling: a Sustainable Residence Featuring Modular Concrete and Wood Construction
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With an emphasis on windcatchers and passive cooling systems, the residence incorporates modular concrete and wooden components to create a flexible living space that is well-suited for a hot climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes windcatchers for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality.
02
Incorporates a geothermal cooling system leveraging locally sourced water.
03
Features modular construction allowing for adaptable living spaces.
04
Employs double walls for superior thermal insulation in a warm climate.
05
Integrates solar panels to promote energy self-sufficiency.

# Analytical Report on the Al-Dar House of the Future

## Overview
Located in a region characterized by hot and humid climates, the Al-Dar House of the Future addresses the pressing need for sustainable residential solutions. The design employs a comprehensive strategy that integrates passive and automated technologies aimed at optimizing living conditions while minimizing resource consumption. This villa serves as a model for future residential developments, focusing on environmental efficiency and modern comfort.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout emphasizes natural ventilation and daylighting, which are critical for maintaining indoor air quality and comfort. Key features include double walls that enhance thermal insulation, innovative ventilation systems utilizing traditional malqafs to adapt to climatic conditions, and two inner courtyards that facilitate air circulation and community interaction. The strategic placement of spaces allows for a functional flow, accommodating living areas, bedrooms, and service zones while remaining adaptable to potential future needs.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection for the Al-Dar House reflects a commitment to both performance and aesthetic appeal. Structural components utilize concrete for durability, while wooden louvers, strategically replaced with precast concrete slabs, provide shading and visual warmth. The design incorporates substantial glazing to optimize natural light and interior-exterior connections. Sustainable technologies are integrated, including solar panels for renewable energy generation and geothermal systems for effective climate control. Additionally, aluminum elements contribute to a lightweight structure, while hemp mesh materials enhance the villa's environmental management systems. This careful consideration of materiality underscores the dual objective of sustainability and livability.

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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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