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Eight-Sided Residence Featuring Low-E Glass and Traditional Mashrabiya Screens

Eight-Sided Residence Featuring Low-E Glass and Traditional Mashrabiya Screens
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The eight-sided footprint harmonizes traditional mashrabiya elements with low-E glass to create a sustainable family residence that balances modern living with cultural heritage in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Eight-sided footprint optimizes space and enhances airflow.
02
Integration of traditional mashrabiya provides privacy and ventilation.
03
Use of low-E glass minimizes heat gain while maximizing natural light.
04
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management.
05
Concrete and wooden materials reflect local building traditions and climate adaptability.

**Overview**
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, GIRIHouse is a contemporary residence designed for a local family. The structure merges traditional Islamic architectural elements with modern design principles, creating a home that reflects the region's cultural heritage while addressing contemporary living requirements.

**Spatial Organization and User Interaction**
The architectural layout is defined by an innovative octagonal footprint, reducing hallway space and maximizing room utility. A central courtyard serves as the focal point, surrounded by various living spaces that promote both privacy and social interaction. This arrangement facilitates natural air circulation, enhancing the overall comfort of the residence and reinforcing familial connectivity.

**Materiality and Environmental Strategies**
GIRIHouse employs a carefully selected material palette that aligns with sustainable practices. Key materials include concrete beams for structural integrity, wooden perforated panels that allow ventilation and light while ensuring privacy, and triple-glazed low-emissivity glass for energy efficiency. The design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels, leveraging local climate conditions to minimize environmental impact and enhance the home's sustainability. Strategic placement of openings in the façade promotes natural ventilation, ensuring comfort even during the intense summer months. The use of mosaic glass and textural diversity in materials contributes to the aesthetic appeal while underscoring the commitment to environmentally conscious design.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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