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Geometric Patterns and Courtyard Integration Utilizing Local Materials in an Emirati Family Residence

Author:
Francisco Gustavo Feaugas Manterola
Geometric Patterns and Courtyard Integration Utilizing Local Materials in an Emirati Family Residence

Project in-detail

Geometric patterns inspired by traditional Emirati design merge seamlessly with a central courtyard and sustainable materials, creating a family home that emphasizes privacy and community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geometric patterns incorporate traditional Emirati motifs into modern design.
02
A central courtyard enhances natural ventilation and connectivity.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer aesthetic appeal and weather resistance.
05
Flexible interior layouts adapt to changing family needs over time.

**Overview**
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future blends traditional cultural elements with modern architectural principles. It is designed to adapt to the evolving needs of contemporary family life, while also respecting the local heritage and climate. The project focuses on sustainability, functional design, and thoughtful integration of space, fostering both private and communal interactions.

**Spatial Strategy**
The layout features a dual-floor configuration that distinguishes between communal and private areas. The ground floor emphasizes an open-concept design, combining the living area, dining space, and kitchen to encourage interaction among family members. A central courtyard facilitates cross-ventilation and provides natural light, enhancing comfort. The second floor includes private zones with bedrooms that offer en-suite bathrooms, ensuring privacy while allowing individuals to personalize their spaces. This arrangement promotes both visibility within shared areas and solitude when desired.

**Material Choices**
The design employs a diverse material palette that emphasizes sustainability and natural aesthetics. Key materials include concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth in interior finishes, and glass for expansive views and light. Traditional elements are incorporated through ceramics and natural stone, while steel and plaster are used to create clean, minimalist surfaces. This combination not only addresses functional needs but also aligns with the architectural intent to connect the home to its environment and cultural roots.

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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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