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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.

### Overview

Sahara House is located in Dubai and represents a synthesis of contemporary architectural design with traditional Arabic influences. The project's intent is to create a residential environment that reflects both modern luxury and cultural heritage, with features that cater to contemporary living while honoring local traditions.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The spatial organization of Sahara House emphasizes an open concept layout that encourages a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor areas. The ground floor includes expansive glass facades that enhance natural light, while the integration of multifunctional spaces, such as the Arabic tent area, fosters communal interactions and cultural engagement. On the first floor, the design prioritizes privacy for personal spaces while maintaining connections to the landscape through strategic window placement. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a serene living experience that balances comfort and functionality.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Extensive use of glass facilitates panoramic views and daylighting, enhancing the ambiance of the interiors. Concrete serves as a robust structural element, while steel provides support for the Arabic-inspired tents, blending strength with elegance. In terms of sustainability, Sahara House incorporates solar panels on the rooftop, utilizing advanced photovoltaic technology to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, thereby addressing the growing importance of sustainable living practices in urban settings.

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

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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
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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