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GRC Facades and Courtyard Integration in Contemporary Emirati Family Living

Authors:
Ghadeer Helal Abdulhusain Ahmed Salman, Maryam Salman Hasan Juma, Masooma Haleem Ali Abdulla Ali Qaroof, Mohamed Helal Abdulhusain Ahmed Salman
GRC Facades and Courtyard Integration in Contemporary Emirati Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing glass reinforced concrete for intricate façade designs and a central courtyard to enhance community interaction, the residence embodies contemporary Emirati living while fostering family connections.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes glass reinforced concrete to create intricate façade patterns inspired by traditional Talli motifs.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Incorporates flexible room configurations to adapt to changing family needs over time.
04
Includes recessed windows that optimize energy efficiency while maintaining visual connections with the surroundings.
05
Integrates outdoor terraces in guest accommodations, promoting social interactions and engagement with the environment.

### Overview
Located in the Emirates, the House of TALLI draws inspiration from the traditional Emirati adornment known as "Talli," which resonates with the region's cultural heritage. The intent is to create a residential space that embodies both cultural authenticity and contemporary architectural principles. The design reflects a synthesis of traditional values and modern aspirations, positioning the home as a sanctuary for family life while fostering social interaction within the community.

### Spatial Organization and Layout
The layout is thoughtfully organized into distinct private, semi-private, and public domains. The ground floor comprises essential communal areas, including a living room, majlis, kitchen, and service zones, all centered around a central courtyard that promotes family engagement while preserving privacy. The first floor is dedicated to private sleeping quarters, ensuring individual space for family members, with adaptable rooms designed for future changes, such as accommodating elderly relatives. Guest accommodations occupy the second floor, enhanced by multiple terraces that encourage outdoor activities and community interactions. This careful arrangement facilitates fluid movement throughout the residence while respecting privacy needs.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The materiality of the House of TALLI reflects a commitment to aesthetic quality and sustainability. Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) is prominently used in the façades, allowing for intricate detailing reminiscent of Talli patterns, while providing structural integrity. Extensive glass applications throughout the interiors enhance natural light and ventilation, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Textured plaster finishes contribute to a warm ambiance characteristic of Emirati homes. These selections not only fulfill functional requirements but also embody sustainable practices, aligning with contemporary building standards.

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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

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