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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Natural Ventilation in Traditional Emirati Courtyard Home

Authors:
Carlos Miguel Ribeiro E Maia Louro, Lara Cristina Das Neves Domingues Lucas, Telmo Eduardo Quintas Ribeiro, Maria Francisca Lucas Meira Dias
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Natural Ventilation in Traditional Emirati Courtyard Home

Project in-detail

Employing cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and natural ventilation, this Emirati residence integrates traditional courtyard elements to create a comfortable family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a traditional courtyard to facilitate natural ventilation and social interaction.
02
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance and sustainability.
03
Employs charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic connection to local heritage.
04
Features high, narrow windows to maintain privacy while maximizing daylight.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to create dynamic interior volumes and improve energy efficiency.

The "House of the Future" is a contemporary residential project located in the United Arab Emirates, designed to marry modern architectural practices with traditional Emirati elements. This project functions as a family home while serving as a case study for sustainable design and cultural integration. The architectural design prioritizes comfort, social interaction, and environmental consciousness through thoughtful planning and material selection.

Central to the design is a large courtyard, which is a hallmark of traditional Emirati architecture. This space not only promotes family gatherings but also enhances natural ventilation throughout the home. The project consists of various functional zones, including family, social, and service areas, organized to streamline daily activities while fostering community engagement.

Distinctive aspects of the "House of the Future" include the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary structural material, which offers both structural integrity and environmental sustainability. The integration of expansive glass facades facilitates ample natural lighting and establishes a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The exterior cladding employs locally sourced stone, establishing a visual link to traditional architecture.

The project demonstrates an innovative approach to privacy through strategic window placement, employing high, narrow openings in private zones to reduce sightlines while maximizing daylight. Furthermore, the incorporation of photovoltaic panels and advanced water management systems underscores a commitment to sustainability, minimizing energy consumption and resource use.

Architectural plans showcase the carefully considered layout, where each zone interacts harmoniously while maintaining functional distinctness. Architectural sections reveal the multi-level structure's varying heights and volumes, adding complexity to the overall design.

Overall, the "House of the Future" represents a forward-thinking attitude towards residential architecture, effectively blending tradition with modernity. For a more detailed understanding of this project, consider exploring the architectural plans and sections, as well as the specific design elements that define this distinctive approach.

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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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