Get inspired!

17,495 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,495 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy