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Charred Screens and Natural Light: A Family Residence Featuring Local Materials in the UAE

Author:
Tamer Fawzy Fadel Ismail
Charred Screens and Natural Light: A Family Residence Featuring Local Materials in the UAE

Project in-detail

Employing traditional mashrabiya for privacy and utilizing locally sourced stone and wood, the residence creates a harmonious balance between natural light and seclusion, catering to the dynamic needs of a family in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya patterns for privacy and ventilation.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances social interaction among family members.
03
Employs local stone and wood to ensure coherence with the surrounding environment.
04
Designed with future adaptability in mind, allowing for room conversions.
05
Maximizes natural light through strategically positioned windows and openings.

## Overview

Located in the UAE, the architectural design titled “The House of Future” addresses the specific contextual and socio-cultural needs of a family. The project integrates contemporary design elements with traditional values, focusing on adaptability for future expansions. The design reflects an understanding of local culture, climate, and family dynamics, particularly emphasizing privacy and social interaction within the household.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout of the house is strategically organized to delineate public and private zones, effectively enhancing user experience. A central courtyard serves as both an outdoor living space and a social gathering area, embodying the architectural response to cultural practices. Flexible spaces are incorporated throughout the design, allowing for transitions between functions as family needs evolve. Features such as pre-planned lift provisions and adaptable rooms further support this flexibility, enabling areas to transform from a dining room into a study or additional bedroom as required.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Local materials are a cornerstone of the design, with façades constructed from plaster and paint, while robust aluminum frames support the windows. Traditional mashrabiya patterns are utilized for structural screening, offering privacy while allowing natural light to permeate the interiors. The incorporation of composite decking for outdoor pathways promotes interaction with the environment. Sustainability considerations are central to the elevations, with a focus on reducing heat gain through strategic orientation, insulation techniques, and natural ventilation. This design approach prioritizes energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, reflecting a commitment to sustainable architectural practices.

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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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