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Earthen Plaster And Natural Stone Blend in A Sustainable Urban Dwelling

Authors:
Mariana Cesar Chaves , Vinicius Goncalves Garcia , João Paulo Espindola Martins Silva , Cristiane Tiemi Urakawa
Earthen Plaster And Natural Stone Blend in A Sustainable Urban Dwelling

Project in-detail

An earthen plaster facade integrates with natural stone elements to create a climate-responsive dwelling designed for enhanced ventilation and social connection in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
An open patio functions as a central light well, promoting ventilation and natural lighting throughout the residence.
02
Earthen plaster finishes are used to blend the building into the surrounding desert landscape while providing thermal insulation.
03
The modular design utilizes a compact footprint of 34m², emphasizing efficiency in urban living.
04
Natural stone accents provide structural integrity and a tactile quality that connects residents to the local environment.
05
Strategic use of greenery enhances microclimates around the dwelling, reducing heat gain and improving air quality.
The architectural project titled "Into the Open" presents a contemporary dwelling designed for the urban context of Dubai. It efficiently occupies a compact site of 150m² while utilizing a primary module of 34m². This design underscores a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsiveness, establishing a dialogue between the built environment and the natural landscape.

The project integrates traditional architectural elements with modern functionality, creating a habitat that serves both social and private needs. The design fosters community interaction while ensuring personal spaces are well defined. The overall aesthetic is characterized by a cubic structure that orients itself purposefully towards the sky, promoting natural light and ventilation.

Architectural Features

The design incorporates a series of essential architectural features that define its uniqueness. The material choice includes earthen plaster for the facade, which aligns with the local context while providing a comforting texture. Complementary natural stone adds structural integrity and visual depth to the exterior. Large glass openings facilitate transparency and connect indoor spaces with the outdoor environment, enhancing the overall living experience.

A distinctive aspect of "Into the Open" is the central open patio. This element serves as a light well, enhancing cross-ventilation and ensuring the indoor climate remains comfortable without relying on artificial temperature regulation. The integration of greenery strategically dispersed throughout the design contributes to creating microclimates, optimizing environmental performance, and fostering a direct relationship with nature.

Spatial Organization

In terms of spatial layout, "Into the Open" features an intuitive water-centric organization, emphasizing fluidity between different areas of the residence. Transitional spaces, such as pathways and outdoor terraces, effectively separate communal and private zones while encouraging natural flow. The flexibility of these spaces is a notable design approach that allows for varied activities, from social gatherings to quiet reflection.

The project's orientation is carefully considered to maximize access to natural light while providing necessary privacy. Strategic natural ventilation and passive cooling techniques are employed to mitigate heat gain, addressing the specific climatic conditions of Dubai.

This project exemplifies a thoughtful synthesis of architectural ideas that champions sustainability and practical living solutions. The results yield a residence that meets modern requirements without compromising on environmental responsibilities. For those interested in a deeper examination of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas presented, exploring the full project presentation will provide further insights into its innovative concepts and execution.
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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
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