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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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