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

Author:
Mohammadali Tarbiatjoo
Mashrabiya-Enhanced Cooling with Natural Stone and Concrete in a Contemporary Emirati Residence

Project in-detail

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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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
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