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Drone Taxi Pad and Arabic Tents Enhance Sustainable Living in Contemporary Villa

Author:
Arshia Gholam Pour
Drone Taxi Pad and Arabic Tents Enhance Sustainable Living in Contemporary Villa

Project in-detail

Incorporating a rooftop drone taxi pad and Arabic-inspired tents, this villa exemplifies a modern approach to sustainable living while seamlessly blending cultural heritage with contemporary functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rooftop drone taxi pad for modern urban mobility.
02
Features Arabic-inspired tents that promote outdoor social interactions.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates an open-plan layout that fosters seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

Sahara House is a contemporary architectural design project located in Dubai, exemplifying a synthesis of modern living and cultural heritage. This residence is strategically designed to meet contemporary lifestyle needs while reflecting the values of traditional Arabic architecture. It features an innovative blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to experience a serene lifestyle in an urban context.

The project encompasses various functional areas, including social, private, and service spaces that promote interaction while respecting individual privacy. Areas such as the expansive living room and kitchen are integrated through an open floor plan, enhancing connectivity and flow. The prominent use of glass facades invites natural light and creates a seamless link between the interior and exterior environments.

Innovative Design Approaches

One defining characteristic of Sahara House is its unique integration of traditional elements within a modern architectural framework. The incorporation of Arabic-inspired tents is a distinctive feature that adds to the cultural narrative of the design. These tents serve as shaded outdoor spaces conducive to social gatherings, reflecting the communal aspects of traditional Arabic culture.

The house includes a rooftop drone taxi pad, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to transportation. This feature aligns with Dubai’s vision for advanced urban mobility, making the project relevant in the context of future city planning. The careful placement of this pad signals a commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday living.

Sustainability also plays a crucial role in the design. The rooftop is equipped with solar panels to harness energy effectively. This aspect not only contributes to the sustainability goals of the project but also offers an economically viable solution for energy consumption over time.

Private and Communal Spaces

The layout of Sahara House is meticulously planned to provide distinct zones for private and communal activities. On the ground floor, communal areas facilitate interaction and family gatherings. The kitchen and living space promote social connectivity, while the outdoor Arabic tent area serves as a flexible space for various functions.

On the upper level, the bedrooms are designed with privacy as a priority. Thoughtful window placements ensure that residents enjoy views of the surroundings without compromising their privacy. The house also incorporates shaded outdoor terraces, providing additional spaces for relaxation and engagement with the environment.

Additionally, the project emphasizes the importance of local context. The choice of materials, including glass, concrete, and textiles, reflects a balance between modernity and tradition. The design promotes eco-friendliness by utilizing sustainable materials that are readily available in the region.

The architectural plans, sections, and overall designs of Sahara House represent a comprehensive approach to modern residential architecture. These elements work together to create a functional, respectful, and forward-looking home. For more in-depth exploration of this project, including architectural details and creative ideas, I encourage you to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a thorough understanding of the innovative aspects presented in Sahara House.

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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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