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Heat Chimney and Palm-Inspired Sunshades in a Modern Residential Retreat

Author:
Yasi̇r Abali
Heat Chimney and Palm-Inspired Sunshades in a Modern Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating a heat chimney and palm-inspired sunshades, this residential design balances climate responsiveness with privacy, providing a comfortable living space that caters to both family and guest needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a heat chimney for natural ventilation.
02
Features palm-inspired sunshades for enhanced solar control.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for aesthetic and durability.
04
Separates guest and family areas for privacy and function.
05
Connects interior spaces to an inner garden for nature integration.

The "House of the Future - U House" is an architectural design project focused on enhancing the living experience through deliberate spatial organization and material selection. Designed to provide both privacy and functionality, the project represents a contemporary approach to residential architecture that aligns with modern lifestyle demands while responding to site conditions effectively. The layout offers distinctions between private and communal spaces, ensuring accessibility for both residents and guests.

Privacy and Spatial Organization One of the standout features of this project is its emphasis on privacy, achieved through the strategic placement of guest and family areas. The guest block is situated separately from the main living spaces, allowing visiting individuals to access their amenities without intruding on the household. This separation not only enhances comfort but promotes a balanced flow of movement within the property. The living areas, centralized and visually connected to an inner garden through large windows, facilitate interactions among family members while maintaining a sense of spaciousness.

Climate Responsiveness and Sustainable Features A notable element of the design is its climate-responsive strategy. Specifically, the incorporation of a heat chimney effectively manages indoor temperatures by expelling hot air and enhancing ventilation. Additionally, the careful placement of windows minimizes solar heat gain during peak hours, ensuring comfortable living conditions. Use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient design principles contributes to a reduced ecological footprint while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Large glass façades not only invite natural light but also establish connections between the interior and exterior, offering visual continuity to the surroundings.

Material Selection and Aesthetic Cohesion The materials chosen for the U House convey both durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete is prominently used for structural components, fostering a robust framework. Wood elements add warmth and texture, contrasting with the sleekness of extensive glass applications. The introduction of decorative sunshades, inspired by local palm trees, not only serves a functional purpose—providing shading and reducing heat exposure—but also roots the design in its geographical context. This thoughtful material palette, combined with intricate architectural details, provides a cohesive visual language that is both modern and respectful of local traditions.

For those interested in understanding the full scope of this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific design decisions, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged to gain deeper insights into the foundations of this innovative design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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