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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.
The House of Future is an architectural design project conceptualized for a family residence in the UAE. It encapsulates a blend of contemporary design with sensitivity to traditional cultural values. The project addresses the need for adaptability in modern living, ensuring the structure can evolve in response to the changing dynamics of family life. The design prioritizes the organization of space to enhance both privacy and social interaction, reflecting practical responses to the living conditions in its geographical context.

The house's layout is methodically divided into public and private zones, offering distinct spaces that cater to family members' needs. Central to the design is a courtyard that facilitates outdoor gatherings, acting as a functional and social hub. This element is crucial in addressing the regional climatic conditions while encouraging community interaction within the home.

Unique Design Approaches

This project differentiates itself through its commitment to flexibility and privacy. The layout is structured to allow for future expansions with designated provisions, accommodating potential changes in family size and lifestyle. Spaces within the house are not fixed; rooms can transition in function—dining areas can be converted into additional bedrooms or study spaces, showcasing a modern approach to residential architecture.

The design features intricately placed windows that provide ample natural light while ensuring privacy. Strategic placements and the employment of traditional mashrabiya patterns for façade screening allow for airflow and illumination without sacrificing seclusion from neighboring properties. Such techniques reflect cultural architectural practices and offer a modern adaptation suitable for the contemporary residential setting.

Sustainability is another focal point in this residence. The orientation of the building and the use of local materials contribute to energy efficiency, with thermal massing elements designed to manage heat gain effectively. These choices affirm the project's alignment with current sustainable architecture trends while satisfying the practical requirements of family living in the UAE.

To explore further details, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to delve into the comprehensive project presentation. Understanding these architectural ideas provides deeper insight into the thoughtful methodologies and creative strategies employed in the House of Future.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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