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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.
The "Flippable Villa" project in Dubai represents a modern approach to residential architecture, integrating contemporary design with traditional Emirati customs. This project serves as a residential dwelling that emphasizes privacy, sustainability, and cultural values. The architectural design features a central courtyard surrounded by five modular blocks that delineate functional areas, improving ventilation and natural light while maintaining the necessary division of public and private spaces.

Design Features and Unique Approaches

One of the notable aspects of the Flippable Villa is its innovative flippable design, allowing residents to adapt the villa’s orientation and window placement. This adaptability optimizes energy efficiency by minimizing the building's exposure to direct sunlight. The project utilizes concrete blocks for structural integrity and thermal mass, while plaster and white paint provide an updated aesthetic that also reflects heat.

The use of date palm fiber parquet flooring ties the design back to Emirati heritage, offering a sustainable and culturally resonant flooring solution. This decision supports the project’s fundamental goals of both environmental responsibility and cultural respect. Furthermore, the integration of landscaping, particularly local flora within the courtyard, contributes to creating a microclimate that provides cooling benefits.

Spatial Organization

The spatial organization consists of a main villa block, a service block, dedicated spaces for a male Majlis, and circulation areas that facilitate movement within the home. The incorporation of pocket doors for spatial separation adds flexibility, especially in terms of privacy between family areas and guest spaces. This design caters to cultural requirements of segregation while promoting fluid interactions within the home.

The courtyard serves as a focal point, designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for practical functionality, enhancing the residents’ connection to their outdoor environment. The architectural layout encourages socialization while allowing for seclusion, addressing the dual needs of gathering and privacy.

Sustainable Architectural Practices

The architectural strategies implemented in the Flippable Villa prioritize sustainability through reduced exterior surface area, effectively lowering cooling loads and contributing to energy efficiency. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces and utilization of local materials reflect a commitment to harmony with the surrounding environment and a response to the climatic challenges of Dubai.

This project stands apart from others in the region through its blending of traditional and modern elements, particularly the flippable design and the culturally inspired features such as the majlis. By addressing the unique needs of Emirati culture while maintaining a modern aesthetic, the Flippable Villa sets a benchmark for future residential projects.

For additional insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, explore the project's presentation to uncover more details about this distinctive residential development.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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