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Mashrabiya Screens and Photovoltaics Enhance Sustainable Living in a Warm Climate Residence

Author:
Oleksii Kutsalo
Mashrabiya Screens and Photovoltaics Enhance Sustainable Living in a Warm Climate Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional mashrabiya screens and advanced photovoltaic systems, the residence offers a seamless blend of cultural heritage and energy efficiency designed for comfortable family living in a warm climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes photovoltaic panels integrated within the windows for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for climate control and privacy.
03
Features a seamless indoor-outdoor connection through expansive gardens.
04
Employs rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainable water management.
05
Includes a versatile open floor plan adaptable to changing family needs.

### Overview

Oasis Fort is situated in a warm climate, focusing on enhancing residential living through a blend of modern design and traditional influences. The project emphasizes comfort, energy efficiency, and communal living, generating a harmonious environment for its occupants. By incorporating elements of privacy and community engagement, the design creates a functional and aesthetically pleasing habitat that reflects both contemporary needs and cultural heritage.

### Spatial Arrangement and User Engagement

The architectural strategy employs an open floor plan, strategically designed to facilitate social interaction while allowing for personal privacy. Internal gardens and greenery are thoughtfully integrated within the layout to enhance natural light and ventilation. This relationship between space and landscape promotes a sense of connection between residents and their environment, fostering both individual retreat and community involvement. The three-level structure consists of a ground floor with accessible living spaces, a first floor dedicated to family activities, and a second floor that includes utility areas and leisure terraces.

### Sustainability and Material Selection

Oasis Fort prioritizes sustainability through the use of advanced materials and systems. Key features include photovoltaic panels that generate energy, atmospheric panels that enhance thermal performance, and the use of traditional mashrabiya screens that connect the design with regional architectural typologies. The selected materials include a plaster facade for durability and aesthetic appeal, metal milling for structural integrity in decorative elements, and photovoltaic laminated glass that contributes to the building's energy efficiency. The landscape design incorporates native vegetation to minimize water consumption and enhance biodiversity, complemented by a water feature that enriches the outdoor experience.

### Energy Efficiency Innovations

The incorporation of sustainable energy solutions is a critical aspect of the design. Solar panels are strategically placed to optimize sunlight capture, thereby supporting energy needs and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. A rainwater harvesting system is also embedded within the design to promote sustainable water management, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource utilization.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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