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Aluminum Mashrabiya and Natural Light Define Sustainable Living Spaces Through Flexible Design

Authors:
Sidhant Choudhary Bhim Choudhary, Sajeel Ahmed Malik Nisar Ahmed Malik
Aluminum Mashrabiya and Natural Light Define Sustainable Living Spaces Through Flexible Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating aluminum mashrabiya and ample natural light, this villa achieves a harmonious balance of sustainable design and flexible living, tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a courtyard design that enhances ventilation and natural light.
02
Utilizes aluminum mashrabiya for privacy while maintaining airflow.
03
Features a flexible room layout adaptable for changing family needs.
04
Showcases exterior walls finished with durable beige travertine for climate resilience.
05
Integrates an LPG gas system to promote energy efficiency in cooking.

### Project Overview
Villa Elegante is situated in Dubai and is part of the Dubai Government's initiative to provide innovative housing solutions for Emirati citizens, conceptualized under the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment. The design aims to create a sustainable living environment that reflects Dubai's cultural and environmental context, prioritizing flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of its residents.

### Layout and Spatial Configuration
The villa is structured across three floors with a focus on maximizing both functionality and visual continuity. Key features include multi-purpose spaces on the first level that can adapt to various uses, such as additional bedrooms or play areas, enhancing family interactions. The integration of two backyard gardens connects indoor living areas with outdoor spaces, while a central courtyard serves as a multi-functional hub, providing relaxation areas and visual connections to nature for visitors and residents alike. Each floor is designed with balconies and terraces that facilitate outdoor engagement and further establish ties to the external environment.

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency
Material selection emphasizes practicality and local climate compatibility. Key components include aluminum channel frames for durability, aluminum geometric mashrabiya for privacy and light control, beige travertine for visual harmony with the surroundings, and white textured paint for contrast. This material strategy not only enhances the visual cohesion of the design but is also grounded in sustainability, favoring local and environmentally friendly resources. The project incorporates energy-efficient systems, such as low-flow sanitary fixtures and a strategic building orientation to optimize natural light and ventilation, thereby minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. These design decisions reflect a commitment to sustainability and the comfort of residents.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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