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Layered Coral Structures Featuring Natural Plaster and Copper Accents in a Community Environment

Authors:
Aleeya Khan, Anum Rashid Khan , Dua Syed
Layered Coral Structures Featuring Natural Plaster and Copper Accents in a Community Environment

Project in-detail

Layered coral structures combine natural plaster with copper accents, creating a sustainable community environment that reflects the rich heritage of Bastakiya while providing versatile living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered coral structures enhance thermal efficiency while providing a connection to traditional Emirati architecture.
02
Natural plaster finishes contribute to interior air quality by allowing moisture regulation.
03
Copper accents are strategically used to highlight structural elements and enhance durability.
04
Central courtyards are designed to optimize natural light and promote communal interactions.
05
Combined materials offer a contemporary interpretation of stacking architecture unique to the Bastakiya context.

## Overview

ALTARAS is situated in the Bastakiya district of Dubai, a region renowned for its heritage architecture, and aims to integrate contemporary design with the historical and cultural narratives of the United Arab Emirates. The project draws inspiration from the traditional technique of "تراص" (turas), emphasizing the stacking of architectural spaces. This approach seeks to create a dialogue between past and present, reflecting the spirit of the region while meeting the requirements of modern urban living.

## Spatial Strategy

The design employes a layering technique characterized by varied heights and configurations, promoting interaction and connectivity within the spaces. Each level is carefully crafted to serve distinct functions, enhancing both visual appeal and practical use. Central courtyards incorporated throughout the project facilitate natural light and ventilation, critical elements for climate adaptation in the region. The arrangement of communal areas, including a Majlis, living, and dining spaces, encourages social engagement while private quarters placed on elevated levels ensure a sense of tranquility and privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for ALTARAS reflects local traditions while embracing contemporary construction methods, ensuring sustainability and cultural respect. Key materials include coral stone cladding, which provides thermal mass, and sand-colored plaster that complements the natural landscape. Reinforced concrete lends structural integrity, while copper aluminum framing allows for expansive glazing, optimizing natural light and outdoor views. The design also emphasizes sustainability through features like natural ventilation, designed to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, and a greywater recycling system that minimizes environmental impact. Orientation and spatial relationships have been strategically considered to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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