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Minimally Designed Spaces of Mineral Brick and Natural Stone for Sustainable Family Living

Author:
Anas Pasha
Minimally Designed Spaces of Mineral Brick and Natural Stone for Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced mineral brick and natural stone, this residence integrates sustainable living principles within a circular layout, providing a modern family home designed for community interaction and environmental harmony.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced mineral brick for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates advanced water recycling systems to promote resource efficiency.
03
Features a central majlis designed to facilitate community gatherings and hospitality.
04
The circular layout maximizes accessibility and encourages interaction among residents.
05
Utilizes green walls to integrate natural vegetation within the living environment.

## Project Overview

Dar Emiratia Type No. 1971 is a residential project developed for the "2024 House of the Future Competition" in Dubai. It embodies a contemporary Emirati design ethos, focusing on sustainability and cultural values while enhancing the living experience for Emirati citizens. The project aims to redefine residential spaces by integrating innovative architectural practices with traditional influences, creating an environment that is both functional and respectful of heritage.

## Design Strategies

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency
The design utilizes local, sustainable materials such as mineral-based bricks and lime mortars that provide durability and effective insulation. Advanced window systems are incorporated to optimize thermal performance and reduce energy consumption, while innovative water management systems—including underground geothermal pipes—facilitate cooling and support rainwater recycling. These features collectively contribute to the home's energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The layout consists of well-defined zones, including an outdoor majlis, private family areas, and a kitchen designed to foster social interaction, emphasizing community engagement. The circular configuration promotes accessibility and interaction among spaces while ensuring privacy. Community-focused features, such as shared alleys and communal dining areas, encourage neighborly connections, and outdoor spaces are designed to host a variety of activities, including cultural gatherings. The spatial arrangement also accommodates specific functions with a basement for leisure activities, a main floor central to family interaction, and a second floor designed for privacy with interconnected balconies.

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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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