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Limestone Facades and Traditional Jaali Screens Enhance Sustainable Living in Contemporary Emirati Design

Limestone Facades and Traditional Jaali Screens Enhance Sustainable Living in Contemporary Emirati Design
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Incorporating limestone facades and intricate jaali screens, this residence enhances solar efficiency and natural cooling while providing a seamless blend of communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone facades provide thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Jaali screens facilitate natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.
03
The layout incorporates extensive courtyards to promote outdoor living.
04
Water features are strategically placed for aesthetic appeal and cooling.
05
Integrated solar panels support energy needs without compromising design.

### Overview
The selected residential designs located in the United Arab Emirates purposefully engage with the region's cultural and climatic context. Each structure merges traditional and contemporary architectural elements, aiming to deliver both aesthetic appeal and functional necessity that aligns with the lifestyle of Emirati residents.

### Spatial Organization
The design of "The Pearl" features a multi-zoned layout, which includes a public Green Zone encompassing the Men's Majlis and office spaces, a service-focused Orange Zone for utilities, a communal Blue Zone centered around a courtyard for natural light and ventilation, a Yellow Zone that houses the kitchen and main staircase, and a Purple Zone dedicated to private living quarters. In "Bridging Eras in Dubai," traditional elements like arches and barjeel coexist within a layout designed to enhance airflow and thermal regulation. "Duneside Patio" emphasizes an indoor-outdoor integration with strategic landscaping for privacy, while "Blueprints of Innovation" implements innovative cooling strategies and natural ventilation pathways to improve livability and energy efficiency.

### Material Selection
Material choices across the projects underscore a preference for locally-sourced and sustainable options. "The Pearl" anticipates the use of limestone for its thermal properties and aesthetic continuity with the region’s architectural heritage, along with coral stone blocks and glass for natural illumination. "Bridging Eras in Dubai" similarly utilizes limestone and modern materials like reinforced concrete, aluminium, and glass. For "Duneside Patio," expected materials include glass and steel for transparency and natural stone flooring that connects indoor areas to the surroundings. "Blueprints of Innovation" focuses on insulated block walls for energy efficiency and incorporates solar panels as part of a commitment to renewable energy.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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