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Biophilic Design Incorporating 3D-Printed Mashrabiya and Native Landscapes in Sustainable Coastal Living

Authors:
Aly Hajjaj, Jayda Walid, Mariam Maged, Mennatallah Eid Abbas Mohamed
Biophilic Design Incorporating 3D-Printed Mashrabiya and Native Landscapes in Sustainable Coastal Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating 3D-printed mashrabiya for ventilation and native landscaping for ecological harmony, this sustainable coastal residence redefines community living with its thoughtful design and adaptive use of materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 3D-printed mashrabiya for enhanced light and air flow.
02
Utilizes travertine stone for both durability and aesthetic impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that facilitates natural ventilation.
04
Integrates native landscaping for improved ecological sustainability.
05
Designed to foster community interaction through shared spaces.
Mangrove Haven is an architectural project situated along the coastline, designed to reflect both cultural heritage and modern sustainability. The structure draws inspiration from natural mangrove ecosystems, representing resilience and adaptability. It serves as a residential space that emphasizes community living while integrating seamlessly with its surroundings. The design focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting both individual privacy and communal interaction.

Sustainable Design Approaches

A key element of Mangrove Haven is its eco-conscious design philosophy. The project incorporates various sustainable materials, including travertine stone for flooring and wall surfaces, which is durable and visually appealing. 3D-printed mashrabiya layers serve a dual purpose, enhancing ventilation and providing privacy, while also adding an artistic feature to the building's façade. Low-impact hardscape materials, including permeable pavements, complement the ecological strategy by minimizing water runoff and promoting xeriscaping.

The layout optimizes energy efficiency through carefully considered spatial planning. Shared communal spaces, such as the living room and majlis, encourage social interaction among residents, while the orientation of bedrooms and balconies enhances privacy and provides natural light. Sunlight studies inform the positioning of windows and overhangs, effectively reducing energy consumption and maintaining indoor comfort.

Architectural Elements and Spatial Arrangement

Mangrove Haven showcases a thoughtful spatial arrangement that balances functionality with aesthetics. The ground floor features open communal areas designed for family gatherings, while the first floor includes bedrooms designed for tranquility. Outdoor spaces, such as terraces and balconies, are integral to the design, encouraging residents to engage with their environment.

Native plant varieties incorporated into the landscaping further enhance the ecological footprint of the project, contributing to water conservation and biodiversity. The architectural elements, including expansive glass features, allow for visual connections to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the relationship between the structure and its natural context.

The synthesis of traditional architectural forms with contemporary materials and techniques distinguishes Mangrove Haven from similar projects. This careful integration of cultural elements and modern innovation positions the project as a model for future residential design in coastal environments. For those interested in the intricate details of this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged to gain deeper insights.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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