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Masonry and Natural Light Enhance Biophilic Design in Emirati Community Housing

Author:
Usman Tyabo Salihu
Masonry and Natural Light Enhance Biophilic Design in Emirati Community Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional mashrabiya and strategic wind catchers, the design fosters natural ventilation and light, creating an efficient residential space that harmonizes modern living with Emirati cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for enhanced privacy and ventilation.
02
Utilizes modular construction techniques for efficient assembly and future expansion.
03
Features a biophilic design, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces through strategic openings.
04
Integrates wind catchers to optimize natural airflow and reduce energy consumption.
05
Employs a sustainable materials palette, including charred wood for improved durability and aesthetics.

### Overview

Located in the Emirati region, the architectural design draws inspiration from both modern practices and traditional aesthetics, emphasizing a balanced integration of innovation and cultural values. By utilizing natural patterns, specifically the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci sequence, the design achieves harmony and promotes a sense of growth. This approach allows the structure to accommodate future expansions while maintaining the integrity of existing frameworks, ensuring that the project remains adaptable over time.

### Spatial Strategy and Composition

The layout prioritizes fluidity among functional areas, including living rooms, kitchens, and private quarters, facilitating accessibility and interaction. Communal spaces are intentionally designed to encourage family gatherings, reflecting social traditions within Emirati culture. The façade incorporates geometric patterns alongside modern forms, enhancing visual interest while ensuring privacy through traditional mashrabiya screen panels, which also aid in natural ventilation and light filtration. Sections and elevations reveal a careful consideration of hierarchy and proportion, with strategically placed openings optimizing natural light and thermal comfort.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse array of materials is employed to balance structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural component, allowing for intricate designs, while masonry is chosen for its thermal efficiency and connection to local architectural heritage. Glass elements are strategically used to foster a dialogue with the landscape, enhancing visual continuity with the outdoors. Metal features in the mashrabiya and design details introduce a contemporary contrast to the more traditional materials.

Sustainability is prioritized through the incorporation of modular construction techniques, reducing waste and facilitating efficient assembly. Future expansions are pre-planned, with concealed zones integrated into the design to ensure a cohesive appearance. Additionally, resource management systems, including wind catchers, water harvesting, and solar water heaters, are embedded to address the energy and water demands typical in desert environments, thereby minimizing the ecological impact of the building.

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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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