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Limestone Facades With Jaali Screens in a Desert Villa Design

Author:
Shravan Kumar Shetty
Limestone Facades With Jaali Screens in a Desert Villa Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing limestone facades and intricately designed jaali screens, the villa integrates classical aesthetics with sustainable features to create a luxurious residential space suited for Dubai's desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone facades enhance thermal performance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Jaali screens are integrated to promote ventilation and reduce heat while reflecting cultural heritage.
03
Custom-designed balconies offer outdoor connectivity and views from multiple living spaces.
04
The landscape includes water features that contribute to passive cooling strategies for the villa.
05
Rooftop solar panels support energy efficiency and sustainability, aligning with modern ecological practices.

### Project Overview

The neoclassical villa is located in Dubai, U.A.E., designed with a focus on integrating modern functionality and classical aesthetics. This residence emphasizes symmetry and luxury while incorporating environmental considerations, addressing both the local context and climate challenges.

### Spatial Arrangement

The villa's design is organized across two floors, promoting both luxury and practicality. The ground floor comprises a spacious living area, dining space, an attached kitchen, and a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and dressing area. Additional amenities like a maid's room and laundry facilities provide practicality. Outdoor features include a lounge area and a swimming pool situated in a landscaped rear garden, facilitating a connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. On the first floor, further bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, ensure privacy, while a family room encourages social interaction. Balconies enhance ventilation and views, contributing to a comfortable living experience.

### Materiality and Sustainable Design

Material selection is a critical component, combining aesthetic appeal with functional performance. The use of Capri limestone enhances thermal stability and durability, while intricately designed Islamic Jaali panels facilitate airflow and solar protection. Wrought iron railings add a traditional aesthetic, ensuring safety on balconies, and marble flooring contributes to the luxurious interior atmosphere. Photochemical glazing manages solar gain effectively by employing tinted glass.

Sustainability is prioritized through several design strategies. Rooftop solar panels generate renewable energy, reducing the villa's dependence on external power sources. Vertical gardens serve as natural insulators, improving overall energy efficiency while enhancing visual appeal. The incorporation of water filtration systems minimizes reliance on external water sources, supporting sustainable practices. Landscaping with trees and shrubs provides shade, further managing heat gain and promoting a climate-responsive environment.

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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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