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Geometric Patterns and Sustainable Materials in a Central Courtyard Residence

Authors:
Marko Jovasevic, Shahab Mokhtare
Geometric Patterns and Sustainable Materials in a Central Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing local stone and intricate mashrabiya, the residence integrates a central courtyard design that fosters community interaction while emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional mashrabiya for enhanced privacy and airflow.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to merge indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Employs local stone and natural materials for regional sustainability.
04
Integrates solar panels for energy efficiency in a residential setting.
05
Features a layout designed to promote family interaction and communal living.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future is an architectural design that merges traditional Emirati elements with contemporary principles, emphasizing sustainability and cultural resonance. The intent is to create a residence that reflects heritage while accommodating modern living needs. Central to the design is the integration of a courtyard, a feature traditionally found in UAE homes that enhances indoor-outdoor connectivity and fosters community interaction among residents.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The central courtyard functions as a micro-climate, providing natural light and ventilation, which enhances energy efficiency and the overall living experience. Key communal spaces—including the family lounge, dining area, and kitchen—are strategically arranged around this courtyard to encourage social interaction while maintaining a sense of openness and flow. The design also incorporates smart home technology, facilitating automated lighting, climate control, and security systems to optimize comfort and functionality for residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a diverse palette of materials that honor local traditions while introducing contemporary design aesthetics. Local stone and stucco are employed in the construction, complemented by glass for natural light maximization. The facade features intricate geometric patterns of mashrabiya, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes such as privacy and airflow. Sustainability is a critical focus, with practices including passive cooling and renewable energy sources like solar panels, aligning with current environmental priorities in architectural design.

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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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