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Folded Aluminum Creases Create Thermal Efficiency in Modern Emirati Living

Author:
Che-hung Chien
Folded Aluminum Creases Create Thermal Efficiency in Modern Emirati Living

Project in-detail

Creased aluminum shells define a modern Emirati residence, seamlessly blending thermal efficiency with community-focused spaces designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Creased aluminum panels enhance thermal performance while creating an innovative exterior aesthetic.
02
The design integrates a central courtyard to promote privacy and community interaction simultaneously.
03
Flexible layout allows for future expansion to accommodate changing family needs.
04
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategic window placement and airflow pathways.
05
The structure reflects traditional Emirati architectural elements in a modern context.

# Analytical Report on The Creasing House

## Project Overview

The Creasing House is situated in the United Arab Emirates and reflects a design intent that thoughtfully intertwines traditional Emirati architecture with contemporary materials. The architectural concept emphasizes community engagement, privacy, and a connection to the natural environment, setting a foundation for both residential comfort and cultural continuity.

## Form and Structure

The building's design is characterized by its undulating rooflines and compartmentalized volumes, creating an organic form that mimics natural landscapes. Each crease in the architectural expression serves both structural and aesthetic roles, enhancing movement and fluidity throughout the composition. The incorporation of upward-arching elements draws parallels to desert dunes and classical Arabic patterns, integrating historical references into a modern context.

## Spatial Organization

Central to the layout is a courtyard that functions as a community space, echoing traditional Emirati homes. The design strategically divides the house into distinct areas, including a Majlis space that fosters social interactions while remaining open to natural light. Surrounding the Majlis, private quarters are arranged to enhance security and provide solitude, ensuring a balanced coexistence between communal and personal areas.

### Materials and Construction Methods

The Creasing House employs innovative materials to achieve both its aesthetic and functional goals:

- **Crease-Folded Aluminum Sheets:** These lightweight, load-bearing elements form a key aspect of the building's striking appearance while contributing to structural integrity.
- **Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs):** Utilized for thermal insulation, these materials protect the interior from the extreme desert climate.
- **Expanded Metal for Ventilation:** This material promotes air circulation, enhancing the home’s comfort levels while maintaining the overall design coherence.
- **Concrete Foundations:** Providing the necessary stability, these foundations ensure the structure's enduring resilience against high temperatures and environmental wear.

## Sustainability Features

Emphasizing an environmentally conscious approach, the design promotes natural ventilation through open spaces and strategically placed windows, significantly reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, the expandable housing system supports future modifications, allowing for adjustments that can accommodate growing family needs without extensive reconstruction, thus fostering long-term sustainability.

### Cultural Influences

The architectural language of The Creasing House is deeply rooted in Arabic heritage, with layout and ornamental details evoking historical calligraphy and geometric patterns. This design approach not only respects but also reinterprets traditional elements for modern living, illustrating a nuanced dialogue between heritage and innovation.

### Future Housing Perspective

Positioned as a model for future residential design, The Creasing House illustrates the potential for integrating heritage with contemporary architectural practices. This focus on adaptability and environmental responsiveness is increasingly relevant in rapidly urbanizing regions, offering insights for future housing solutions that emphasize both heritage preservation and modern functionality.

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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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