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Dune-Inspired Form Enhanced by High-Performance Glass and Mineralized Wood Fiber Insulation

Authors:
Guido Giacomo Bondielli, Antonio Mario Mastrangelo, Micaela Podesta', Vincenzo Alessandro Legnante, Elisa Mastrangelo
Dune-Inspired Form Enhanced by High-Performance Glass and Mineralized Wood Fiber Insulation

Project in-detail

Inspired by the contours of desert dunes, the residence utilizes mineralized wood fiber insulation and high-performance glass to create a sustainable living environment that balances communal spaces with private retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mineralized wood fiber insulation for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates high-performance glass to balance natural lighting with heat management.
03
Features a Majlis space designed to reflect cultural gathering traditions.
04
Employs local stone for landscaping to strengthen ecological ties.
05
Architecture mimics desert dune shapes, promoting environmental harmony.

The House of the Future is an architectural project situated in the United Arab Emirates, designed to address the specific environmental and cultural challenges of the region. This dwelling exemplifies a thoughtful integration of modern design principles with traditional elements, creating a residence that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsive. It consists of distinct spatial configurations that support both communal living and private retreats, catering to the dynamic lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Functional and Spatial Organization

The spatial organization of the House of the Future prioritizes efficiency and adaptability. The ground floor comprises communal areas such as a large living space, dining room, and kitchen that encourage social interaction. A designated Majlis serves as a culturally significant gathering space, emphasizing the importance of community within UAE society. The upper level features private bedrooms designed for comfort and flexibility, allowing future modifications based on the residents' needs. The inclusion of a basement provides additional functional space for utilities, parking, and wellness facilities, demonstrating a multi-layered approach to residential design.

Innovative Design Approaches

What distinguishes this project from typical residential developments is its emphasis on sustainability and context-appropriate design. Utilizing high-performance glass for windows ensures that indoor spaces remain bright yet minimize heat gain, which is vital in a desert climate. The project incorporates mineralized wood fiber insulation, enhancing energy efficiency while reducing the ecological footprint. The architectural form reflects the contours of the surrounding landscape, promoting harmony between the built environment and natural topography.

The integration of local materials, such as stone and vegetation, fosters a connection to the local ecosystem while supporting biodiversity. This approach not only enhances the architectural aesthetic but also demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible building practices.

Sustainable and Adaptive Elements

The House of the Future stands out through its advanced sustainability features. Systems for energy management are designed to optimize both passive and active strategies, allowing the structure to maintain a comfortable indoor climate with minimal energy consumption. The incorporation of natural elements, such as landscaping with local vegetation, also serves to create microclimates that assist in temperature regulation. Furthermore, the house is designed to be expandable, ensuring that spaces can adapt to evolving family dynamics over time.

Potential residents and stakeholders are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the House of the Future for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approach. By reviewing these elements, one can gain insight into the architectural ideas that guided the design and the detailed considerations that contribute to its overall effectiveness as a sustainable and culturally relevant dwelling.

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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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