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Charred Wood Accents Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Villa

Author:
Abeer Wahdain
Charred Wood Accents Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Villa

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood details and energy-efficient systems, the villa exemplifies sustainable living while fostering family connections in a modern Emirati context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management Features charred wood shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and insulation Includes extensive outdoor living spaces to promote family engagement Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and airflow.

Zayed's Family Villa serves as a residential architectural project designed to accommodate the needs of a modern Emirati family. This villa encapsulates the integration of contemporary living standards with deep-rooted cultural references. The design reflects an emphasis on family cohesion, private comfort, and outdoor engagement, aligning with the lifestyle of its residents while considering environmental factors.

Spatial organization is central to the project. The villa comprises distinct zones for private, communal, and service functions. The private quarters provide intimate spaces for individual family members, while the communal areas facilitate social interaction. The design also includes service areas discreetly integrated to maintain a clean functional aesthetic. The architectural flow promotes easy circulation and interaction while ensuring privacy when required.

Materiality and Sustainability The choice of materials contributes significantly to the villa's character and functionality. Key materials used in the construction include masonry for durability and insulation, natural stone for aesthetic integrity, and wood for warmth and cultural resonance. These materials were selected for their sustainability, enhancing the overall environmental performance of the residence. Furthermore, advanced solar shading techniques are incorporated through balconies and screening, optimizing breezy airflow and reducing the need for artificial cooling systems.

The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is another hallmark of this design. Large glass openings and sliding doors facilitate seamless transitions, allowing family members to engage with the surrounding landscape comfortably. This approach not only enhances livability but also encourages outdoor activities, in line with traditional Emirati customs.

Innovative Structural Solutions The project stands out for its innovation in addressing climate challenges. The design incorporates energy-efficient systems, including rainwater harvesting and water recycling technologies, to support sustainable living.

Flexibility is a key design principle, allowing for future adaptations as family needs change. Spaces within the villa cater to varied activities, from daily family interactions to larger gatherings, ensuring versatility in living arrangements. The careful arrangement of these spaces reflects a modern architectural understanding of family dynamics and communal living in the UAE context.

For more detailed insights into this architectural project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, explore the comprehensive project presentation.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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