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Coral Stone Pavilion With Advanced Ventilation Strategies in a Desert Environment

Authors:
Matteo Borsetti, DỤc Chi Luu
Coral Stone Pavilion With Advanced Ventilation Strategies in a Desert Environment

Project in-detail

Employing coral stone for its breeze blocks and integrating a central ventilation tower, the design creates a sustainable solution for comfortable living in the harsh climate of Dubai, prioritizing both environmental resilience and family connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local coral stone breeze blocks to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates a central ventilation tower for efficient air circulation.
03
Features large glass facades to maximize natural light and outdoor views.
04
Includes dedicated majlis spaces for family gatherings and cultural practices.
05
Integrates solar panels on the rooftop for energy efficiency and sustainability.

The Tower House is a contemporary residential project situated in Dubai. Designed to accommodate the unique requirements of Emirati nationals, this architectural endeavor integrates modern design principles with elements that reflect the local culture. The project emphasizes spaciousness, functionality, and energy efficiency, aiming to create a sustainable living environment.

The design includes a careful balance of private and communal spaces, ensuring areas that promote social interaction alongside designated zones for privacy. The house makes use of light and air flow to enhance comfort and usability. Architectural features such as large glass facades allow for visual connectivity between interior spaces and the outdoor environment, fostering a sense of openness.

Innovative Use of Local Materials What sets the Tower House apart from other residential projects is its distinctive use of locally sourced materials. The prominent incorporation of coral stone for breeze blocks aligns the design with traditional Emirati architecture while simultaneously addressing contemporary needs for natural ventilation and light management. This material choice reflects the project's commitment to contextual sensitivity, ensuring that it harmonizes with its surroundings.

Large open spaces, combined with strategically placed walls of breeze blocks, facilitate air circulation throughout the house. The incorporation of concrete in structural elements provides durability while contributing to the thermal mass needed to mitigate the extreme temperatures typical of Dubai. Additionally, the extensive use of glass not only maximizes daylight but also enhances views of the inviting landscaped areas.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency The integration of sustainable practices is another critical aspect of the Tower House design. Solar panels installed on the rooftop underscore the project’s focus on energy independence, while the design's spatial organization promotes natural ventilation, further reducing energy consumption. The architectural framework includes a central ventilation shaft that encourages effective airflow, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate without heavy reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

The rooftop garden adds a green layer to the living space, allowing residents to engage with nature and enjoy a multipurpose area for recreation and relaxation. With features accommodating both family gatherings and private retreats, the project embodies a thoughtful approach to modern living.

The Tower House showcases a unique blend of local architectural heritage and contemporary design considerations. To gain firsthand insights into the architectural plans, sections, and detailed design ideas, explore the full presentation of this project. This analysis highlights the essential aspects of the design, inviting a closer examination of its distinct features and innovative approaches.

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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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