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Courtyard Home Featuring Sustainable Stone and Glass Elements with Traditional Mashrabiya Screens

Author:
Chelsa James James Varghese
Courtyard Home Featuring Sustainable Stone and Glass Elements with Traditional Mashrabiya Screens

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional mashrabiya screens and a central courtyard, the residence utilizes sustainable stone and glass to create a harmonious living environment that prioritizes natural ventilation and flexibility for family gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central courtyard designed to enhance natural cooling and light penetration.
02
Utilizes traditional mashrabiya screens to balance privacy and ventilation.
03
Features flexible, movable walls that adapt to social needs and gatherings.
04
Constructed with locally sourced stone and glass to minimize environmental impact.
05
Integrates passive cooling techniques, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
The project, titled "The Oasis of Life," represents a thoughtful response to the climatic and cultural context of the United Arab Emirates. This architectural design is characterized by its ability to harmonize modern living requirements with traditional Emirati values. The residence is structured around a central courtyard that serves as a natural cooling mechanism, facilitating passive thermal regulation and contributing to the overall sustainability of the design.

The primary function of "The Oasis of Life" is to provide a comfortable living space for a family while respecting cultural norms around privacy and social interaction. The layout incorporates distinct zones for public and private activities, ensuring both communal and individual needs are met. Flexible spaces within the design allow for adaptability, accommodating various social configurations. This design approach encourages a dynamic lifestyle while ensuring a sense of permanence and comfort.

Sustainable design features prominently in this project. The integration of windcatchers enhances natural ventilation, promoting airflow throughout the residence and minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The use of local materials such as concrete, glass, wood, stone, and plaster not only connects the project to its environmental context but also aligns with traditional building techniques. The façade combines modern aesthetics with cultural motifs, employing elements like mashrabiya screens to balance privacy with visual connectivity to the environment.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes "The Oasis of Life" from similar projects is its emphasis on cultural authenticity combined with innovative architectural solutions. The design pays homage to traditional Bedouin homes while incorporating modern construction techniques. This blend creates a seamless continuity between past and present. The courtyard is not just a functional element; it acts as a social hub for the family, promoting outdoor living and connecting inhabitants with nature.

The flexibility of architectural spaces is another significant characteristic. Movable walls throughout the house allow for adjustments based on daily activities, facilitating a dual experience of space that can cater to both intimacy and large gatherings. The attention to environmental conditions—incorporating solutions like kinetic architecture—reflects a forward-thinking orientation that addresses both comfort and sustainability.

Technical Features and Details

The architectural details of "The Oasis of Life" further exemplify its thoughtful design. The structural integrity is reinforced through the use of high-density concrete, which provides durability and thermal mass. Large glass openings allow for ample daylight, reducing energy consumption while enhancing the overall ambiance. Internal pathways are designed to navigate naturally through the different zones of the home, promoting exploration and interaction among residents.

Materiality plays a vital role in the project's success, with each material selected for its functional benefits as well as its connection to the local environment. Wood accents in movable wall systems contribute warmth and texture, whereas stone is utilized in courtyard elements, enhancing outdoor aesthetics and comfort.

To explore more about the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind "The Oasis of Life," interested readers are encouraged to review the complete project presentation to gain further insights into this carefully crafted residence.
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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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