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Date Palm Ash and Natural Light Shape a Harmonious Dwelling in Dubai

Authors:
Hamid Tehranisafa, Golsa Rahimpour
Date Palm Ash and Natural Light Shape a Harmonious Dwelling in Dubai

Project in-detail

Utilizing date palm ash as a sustainable binder and integrating natural light through strategic design, this dwelling in Dubai fosters harmony while serving as a multi-functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes date palm ash as an eco-friendly construction material.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance ventilation and social interaction.
03
Design follows the golden ratio for balanced proportions and aesthetics.
04
Features integrated water elements that contribute to ambiance and sustainability.
05
Employs natural light strategies through large openings and thoughtful orientation.

### Home of Harmony and Exchangesum

Located in Dubai, the design of the Home of Harmony and Exchangesum promotes connectivity among individuals, their environment, and their interactions. This project responds to contemporary social needs by prioritizing harmony between occupants and their surroundings, facilitating relationships through strategic architectural elements. The central courtyard designed as a sanctuary enables moments of introspection, while functional zones—including living areas, multi-function spaces, and private quarters—are organized to balance privacy and communal interaction.

#### Spatial Configuration
The dwelling's layout is characterized by a central courtyard surrounded by various key spaces, such as the living and dining areas, a multi-function room, and a library, each arranged to encourage social engagement while preserving individual privacy. Bedrooms are positioned on the upper floor to enhance secluded living while remaining visually connected to communal areas. This arrangement reflects the dualities inherent in family living, facilitating a harmonious coexistence of collective and private experiences.

#### Sustainable Materiality
An innovative approach to material selection is evident in the use of date palm ash as a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. This alkali-activated binder, combined with alumina and silica, bolsters the structural integrity of the building while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional methods. Recycled aggregates further contribute to the project's environmentally conscious agenda, emphasizing the use of local resources as a cornerstone of its design philosophy.

#### Distinctive Architectural Features
A designated water feature serves as a key design element, enriching the home's aesthetic and spiritual landscape. The use of the golden ratio in spatial organization enhances the occupants' experience, promoting a sense of order and tranquility. Additionally, the integration of greenery throughout the design fosters a connection with nature, maximizing natural light and creating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The structural form incorporates sweeping arches, blending contemporary and timeless elements, while referencing cultural influences and modernist design principles.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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