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Wool Bricks and Hydro Ceramics Forming Sustainable Living Spaces in a Modern Courtyard Design

Wool Bricks and Hydro Ceramics Forming Sustainable Living Spaces in a Modern Courtyard Design
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Utilizing wool bricks and hydro ceramics, the design integrates traditional elements with modern sustainability in a courtyard layout, fostering community living while adapting to Dubai's climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wool bricks for enhanced thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact.
02
Incorporates hydro ceramics to regulate indoor temperatures naturally.
03
Features traditional wind catchers for efficient passive cooling.
04
Adopts a central courtyard layout to encourage community interactions and ventilation.
05
Integrates grey water recycling systems to minimize water waste in the household.

### Concept Overview
Located in Dubai, the House of the Future investigates the integration of traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements with contemporary sustainable practices. The design seeks to honor the region's rich heritage while proposing innovative solutions for modern living. Emphasizing community living, environmental stewardship, and energy efficiency, it reflects a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture.

### Spatial Strategy and Climatic Adaptation
The layout of the building is organized around a central courtyard, facilitating airflow and natural cooling, while also serving as a communal space for residents. This decision is deeply rooted in the concept of traditional courtyard houses, which are adept at creating cooler microclimates in arid environments. The incorporation of wind catchers, a traditional design element, enhances natural ventilation, contributing to thermal comfort within the home. Additionally, the design utilizes the heat stack effect to draw cooler air from underground, promoting temperature regulation throughout the interior spaces.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette prioritizes sustainability and environmental impact, featuring wool bricks produced from natural fibers to enhance structural strength. Hydro ceramics are incorporated for their thermal regulation capabilities, while pressed aluminum is employed in wind catchers for effective air circulation. Interior finishes consist of timber and glass, creating a balance between warmth and modernity. The design includes grey water recycling systems to minimize water waste, alongside solar panels and water harvesters to promote energy self-sufficiency. Moreover, the overall construction adheres to principles of energy efficiency and responsible resource management.

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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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