Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Masonry and Natural Ventilation Inspired by Traditional Mashrabiya in a Sustainable Residential Setting

Authors:
Antoine Sleiman, Ali Hamad A Alrashdi
Masonry and Natural Ventilation Inspired by Traditional Mashrabiya in a Sustainable Residential Setting

Project in-detail

Employing a contemporary interpretation of traditional mashrabiya alongside exposed brick and sustainable timber, the design creates a harmonious residence that fosters natural ventilation and connects seamlessly with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a modern mashrabiya for effective shading and privacy.
02
Utilizes locally sourced exposed bricks to enhance thermal mass.
03
Features a central courtyard facilitating natural airflow throughout the home.
04
Employs xeriscaping with native plants to minimize water use.
05
Integrates sustainable timber for structural support and interior warmth.

### Architectural Design Report: Embracing Nature in Contemporary Structure

#### Concept and Context
This residence is situated within the architectural landscape of the United Arab Emirates, reflecting both modern sustainability initiatives and cultural heritage. The design aims to establish a profound connection between its inhabitants and the surrounding environment while honoring the region’s historical architectural elements. It embraces a forward-thinking approach, characterized by the understanding that today’s decisions impact future living conditions.

#### Façade and Spatial Organization
The façades utilize a contemporary interpretation of **mashrabiya**, crafted from **regional bricks** to provide shading and privacy while promoting natural light and ventilation. The combination of a textured, warm **exposed brick** lower section with a sleek white upper finish creates a balanced visual aesthetic. The layout consists of open-plan spaces interconnected through smart divisions that facilitate movement and interaction, with a central courtyard acting as a focal point for airflow and social engagement. This design not only meets functional living needs but also incorporates traditional elements like courtyards, which connect exterior and interior spaces while ensuring privacy.

#### Sustainability and Material Selection
Incorporating sustainability features such as **solar panels** and natural ventilation systems represents a commitment to reducing energy consumption. Traditional irrigation methods are integrated to support responsible water management. The materials chosen for construction—including **sustainable timber**, **thermal glass**, and **concrete**—reflect a dedication to durability and environmental consideration. Xeriscaping with native plants further reinforces the adaptive landscape design, minimizing irrigation demands and enhancing the natural integration of the residence with its surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy