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Flippable Design Featuring Date Palm Fiber Floor Panels in a Modern Residential Villa

Author:
Mahnaz Fereidoon Rahmannia
Flippable Design Featuring Date Palm Fiber Floor Panels in a Modern Residential Villa

Project in-detail

A flippable design utilizes modular construction techniques and local date palm fiber flooring to create a modern residential villa that prioritizes sustainability and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flippable design allows the villa's orientation to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
02
Integrated central courtyard enhances natural light and promotes airflow throughout the home.
03
Utilization of date palm fiber flooring connects modern elements with local cultural heritage.
04
Dedicated male Majlis provides a culturally appropriate space for social gatherings.
05
Modular construction separates living, service, and private areas for improved functionality.

## Overview

The Flippable Villa, situated in Dubai, represents a modern residential design that integrates contemporary living with traditional Emirati values. This project addresses the dual objectives of aesthetic innovation and practical functionality while acknowledging the historical context of Emirati architecture. Emphasizing cultural privacy and environmental efficiency, the design responds to both the urban landscape of Dubai and the deep-rooted customs of the region.

## Spatial Organization

The villa features a central courtyard, an essential element that enhances both privacy and social engagement. Arranged around this courtyard are five distinct functional sections: the main villa block for primary living spaces, a dedicated service block that separates ancillary functions, and a male majlis to accommodate traditional hospitality customs. Pathways strategically connect these areas, ensuring a cohesive flow while maintaining individual spaces. The inclusion of a reading nook and pantry promotes leisure and reflection within the home’s layout.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and climate responsiveness. Durable concrete blocks provide thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency, while plaster and white paint on the exterior aid in heat reflection. The use of date palm fiber for flooring not only honors cultural heritage but also aligns with sustainable building practices. The architectural design features a reduced exterior surface area exposed to sunlight, which significantly lowers cooling loads compared to conventional designs, resulting in lower energy consumption suitable for Dubai’s climate.

The villa integrates elements such as mashrabiyas to enhance shading and airflow, alongside a lush courtyard that fosters biodiversity and offers a calming environment. These design features collectively support a sustainable living space that respects local customs while embracing modern architectural practices.

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

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Competition organisers

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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