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Mashrabiya-Enhanced Cooling with Natural Stone and Concrete in a Contemporary Emirati Residence

Mashrabiya-Enhanced Cooling with Natural Stone and Concrete in a Contemporary Emirati Residence
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Combining traditional mashrabiya for passive cooling with a contemporary palette of concrete and natural stone, the design creates a family residence that fosters both privacy and connectivity in an increasingly urbanized Emirati context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya for enhanced privacy while allowing natural light.
02
Utilizes natural stone for sustainable thermal performance in a hot climate.
03
Features a central courtyard promoting natural ventilation throughout the residence.
04
Integrates passive cooling techniques with a modern aesthetic tailored for family living.
05
Employs concrete and wood to balance durability with environmental sensitivity.

## Project Overview

The "Malouf" project is located in Dubai, which has undergone significant urbanization, resulting in a diverse cultural landscape. It addresses the evolving concept of home for Emirati families, prioritizing a design that fosters familiarity and belonging while integrating sustainable and innovative elements. This approach seeks to harmonize contemporary Emirati identity with essential aspects of local culture, creating a residence that reflects both tradition and modernity.

### Design Framework

**Spatial Organization**: The architectural layout divides the residence into distinct zones, including private, public, and service areas. The private zone features living quarters with gardens for leisure, while the public zone facilitates communal gatherings centered around a middle courtyard. This central open space enhances privacy and promotes natural ventilation and light throughout the residence.

**Climatic Adaptability**: Key architectural features such as wind catchers are incorporated to maximize passive cooling, while the use of mashrabiya allows for ventilation and privacy control. Material selections, including concrete for structural resilience, wood for warmth, and glass for transparency, work together to regulate indoor temperatures and support the overall environmental strategy.

### Material Selection

The materials chosen for "Malouf" reflect a blend of traditional practices and contemporary innovations. These include:

- **Mashrabiya**: Wooden latticework that enhances ventilation and privacy.
- **Wind Catchers**: Architectural elements that facilitate passive cooling.
- **Concrete and Stone**: Provide thermal mass and structural integrity.
- **Wood**: Adds aesthetic warmth and detailing.
- **Glass**: Promotes transparency and natural light, fostering a sense of spatial synergy within the home.

Overall, the combination of these materials reinforces cultural authenticity while addressing the demands of modern urban life.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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