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Modular Living Enhanced by Natural Light and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Alia Mousa Ibrahim Jasim Jadda
Modular Living Enhanced by Natural Light and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Characterized by its modular adaptability and extensive use of natural light, this residence seamlessly integrates sustainable materials to accommodate the evolving needs of a modern Emirati family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for dynamic reconfiguration of living spaces to adapt to family needs.
02
Extensive use of natural light enhances interior ambiance and reduces reliance on artificial lighting.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic warmth and improved durability against the elements.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity while maintaining eco-friendly principles.
05
The bent A-frame design offers unique spatial qualities and facilitates effective natural ventilation.

The Minimalist Adjustable House (MA House) is a residential architecture project designed by Alia Mousa. It is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic and the concept of adaptability for modern family life. Located in the United Arab Emirates, this house serves as a prototype for a flexible living space, emphasizing the importance of modular design. The architecture enables accommodations that evolve with the needs of its occupants, promoting both family interaction and individual privacy.

Functionally, the MA House is designed to cater to an Emirati family's lifestyle, providing essential spaces such as living areas, kitchens, and private bedrooms. The layout is organized to create a seamless flow between communal and private areas, ensuring convenience and accessibility. The ground floor features a generous living and dining space, which integrates with a kitchen, fostering interaction among family members. Upstairs, private bedrooms allow for personal retreat, demonstrating a balanced approach to familial and personal life.

One of the distinctive aspects of the MA House is its modular design. The architecture incorporates a system of interchangeable modules that allow for flexibility in space usage. This unique approach enables the inhabitants to reconfigure rooms according to changing needs, a rarity in traditional residential designs. The use of a flat roof and large windows creates an open ambiance, drawing in natural light while maintaining a minimalist façade that aligns with modern architectural trends.

Material selection is also pivotal to the project's design integrity. The structure primarily employs concrete for its robustness, combined with expansive glass facades for transparency and connection with the surroundings. Steel elements contribute to structural support while maintaining a contemporary appearance. Wood accents are utilized in shading devices and decorative features, adding warmth to the overall design.

The MA House exemplifies a contemporary approach to residential architecture, focusing on adaptability and user-centered design principles. It reflects an understanding of cultural contexts and family dynamics within an Emirati setting.

For a comprehensive understanding of the MA House, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the project's innovative features and design strategies.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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