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Meshrabiya Facades and Elliptical Cores Define a Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Rowan Sherif, Mohab Maged, Jeroum George, Yara Abbas Elhabiby
Meshrabiya Facades and Elliptical Cores Define a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating custom Meshrabiya facades and an innovative elliptical core, this sustainable residence optimizes natural ventilation while fostering communal interaction within its family-oriented spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Custom Meshrabiya facades enhance privacy while facilitating airflow.
02
The elliptical core design maximizes natural ventilation within the residence.
03
Sustainable materials include locally sourced concrete and composite finishes.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems support landscape irrigation and reduce water waste.
05
Flexible interior spaces adapt to various family activities and gatherings.
The House of the Future in the United Arab Emirates represents a seamless integration of cultural heritage and modern architectural practices. This project embodies the concept of a home that reflects the identity and aspirations of its inhabitants while prioritizing sustainability and functionality. It is designed to respond to the unique environmental conditions of the region, emphasizing energy efficiency and adaptive living spaces.

The architectural design incorporates traditional motifs alongside contemporary elements. A central elliptical core serves as the nucleus of the house, facilitating natural ventilation and promoting thermal comfort in a hot desert climate. The outer façade features custom Meshrabiya, a latticed screen that not only provides visual privacy but also enhances airflow and reduces solar heat gain. This careful balancing of aesthetics and pragmatic function is a hallmark of the House of the Future.

Sustainability is a core principle in the House of the Future. The architectural design employs several environmentally friendly strategies. Solar panels are integrated into the building structure, allowing for renewable energy production. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems and eco-friendly finishes support water conservation and reduce the environmental footprint. The landscape surrounding the house features extensive greenery, further enhancing the home's connection to nature.

Innovative Design Approaches

What sets the House of the Future apart from typical residential projects is its commitment to blending tradition with modernity. The incorporation of an elliptical core allows for efficient air circulation, which is essential for maintaining comfortable indoor environments. The use of local materials, such as concrete and wood, not only connects the structure to its geographic context but also supports sustainable building practices.

Moreover, the project addresses the social dimensions of living in a rapidly changing society. The design includes multifunctional spaces that encourage interaction among family members and visitors. By offering open areas that can adapt to various activities, the house fosters a sense of community, reflecting the traditional values of hospitality inherent in Emirati culture.

Architectural Elements and Details

Key architectural details of the House of the Future include extensive glass surfaces that enhance natural light penetration, creating an inviting atmosphere. The strategic placement of windows allows for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while maintaining a balance between privacy and openness. The use of composite materials in the building's envelope ensures durability while permitting design versatility.

The landscaping design complements the architectural features, creating shaded outdoor areas that serve as extensions of the living spaces. Each element is thoughtfully integrated, emphasizing harmony between the constructed environment and the natural surroundings.

For a comprehensive understanding of the House of the Future, explore architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs that illustrate the innovative ideas driving this project. By examining these materials, one can gain deeper insights into the thoughtful approach taken to create a living space that is both functional and reflective of its cultural context.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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