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Courtyard Home Emphasizing Mud Brick and Natural Stone for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Cristina MaÑas Garcia, Patricia MuÑoz Fernandez De Cordoba
Courtyard Home Emphasizing Mud Brick and Natural Stone for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Emphasizing traditional mud brick and natural stone, the design creates a central courtyard that enhances ventilation and light, ultimately serving as a sustainable family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasis on a central courtyard enhances natural ventilation and light throughout the home.
02
Construction utilizes locally sourced mud brick and natural stone for environmental harmony.
03
Flexible interior layout allows for adaptability to changing family needs over time.
04
Incorporates passive design techniques to minimize reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
05
Landscaped outdoor areas support biodiversity while providing recreational space for residents.

The Tollo House is a residential architectural project located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The design embodies a contemporary interpretation of traditional Middle Eastern architecture, specifically emphasizing the concept of courtyard living. This approach creates a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, thereby enhancing the living conditions in an arid climate. The primary function of the Tollo House is to provide a comfortable and adaptable family home, promoting both communal interaction and individual privacy.

The project features several key architectural elements that contribute to its overall functionality. The central courtyard acts as a focal point, promoting natural ventilation and light throughout the home. The ground floor layout includes open communal spaces, such as a living room and dining area, which flow seamlessly into landscaped outdoor areas. The first floor is designed for private living, featuring bedrooms and bathrooms that align with the traditional aspect of maintaining seclusion.

The design integrates local materials, such as mud brick and natural stone, to ensure thermal efficiency while celebrating local craftsmanship. Large expanses of glass allow for visual connectivity between the interior spaces and the exterior environment. This integration of materiality with contemporary design principles underpins the project's sustainability efforts, as it reduces reliance on artificial heating and cooling.

Unique Design Approaches

Tollo House distinguishes itself through its focus on adaptable living spaces. The architectural layout is designed to respond to changing family dynamics, enabling adjustments to interior configurations without significant structural alterations. This aspect of the design not only maximizes utility but also promotes longevity in residential use.

The project strategically incorporates passive design techniques. Its orientation and window placements enhance natural light penetration while minimizing heat gain. Additional features include humidity control systems and integration of native landscaping that supports local biodiversity. These elements are pivotal in addressing the environmental challenges associated with urban living in Dubai.

Interrelationship of Spaces

An essential characteristic of Tollo House is its thoughtful organization of spaces. The central courtyard serves not only as an aesthetic feature but also enhances thermal comfort. The design encourages the flow of air, facilitating natural cooling. Additionally, the outdoor areas are carefully landscaped to create small ecosystems, contributing to overall well-being and ecological sustainability.

The careful selection of materials reflects the architectural intent to maintain cultural resonance while adhering to modern construction techniques. The use of local materials also connects the project with its geographic context, drawing from the region’s architectural heritage.

To explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas behind the Tollo House, readers are encouraged to delve into the project's comprehensive presentation. Detailed visualizations and technical studies offer further insights into this adaptable and environmentally conscious residential architecture.

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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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