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

Authors:
Filip Kostić, Tamara Bulatovic, Ivona Bojovic
Eight-Sided Residence Featuring Low-E Glass and Traditional Mashrabiya Screens

Project in-detail

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.

GIRIHouse represents a contemporary architectural project located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This residential design seeks to meld traditional cultural elements with modern functionality, creating a space that reflects both the environmental context and the social dynamics of family life. The project features a unique octagonal footprint that maximizes usable interior space while promoting natural ventilation through a central courtyard. GIRIHouse not only addresses the practical needs of its inhabitants but also serves as a symbol of the integration of culture and modernity in the urban landscape.

Spatial Organization and Environmental Strategies

The GIRIHouse design exhibits an innovative spatial organization focused on community interaction and personal privacy. The central courtyard acts as the focal point, surrounded by living areas and private bedrooms. This layout enhances connectivity while ensuring that each room maintains its own identity. The use of natural ventilation strategies is paramount given the climate in Dubai. Openings are strategically positioned to facilitate airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

The choice of materials, including concrete beams, wooden perforated panels, and triple-glazed low-emissivity glass, serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The materials are selected to withstand local weather conditions and provide thermal insulation. Additionally, features such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, minimizing the ecological impact of the project.

Cultural Influence and Modern Design Solutions

GIRIHouse stands apart from typical residential buildings through its thoughtful incorporation of Islamic architectural elements. The use of geometry and symmetry is evident, reflecting a deep respect for local heritage. The design includes traditional mashrabiya screens, enhancing privacy while allowing light and air to penetrate interior spaces.

Another distinguishing aspect of the project is its integration of innovative construction techniques. The foundation employs a steel substructure which allows for flexibility in design and increases overall structural integrity. This commitment to modern construction methods, alongside traditional forms, establishes a dialogue between the past and present, making GIRIHouse a unique example of contemporary architecture.

Through its careful design, GIRIHouse embodies a blend of cultural significance and modern functions. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas associated with this project to gain a deeper understanding of its unique contributions to architectural discourse.

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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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