Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Movable Wall Systems Enhancing Flexibility in Contemporary Emirati Living with Sustainable Materials

Authors:
Hany Ibrahim, Rana Hany Maher Khalil
Movable Wall Systems Enhancing Flexibility in Contemporary Emirati Living with Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Utilizing movable wall systems and sustainable materials, the design cultivates adaptable living spaces that reflect contemporary Emirati culture in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes movable wall systems for adaptable space management.
02
Incorporates sustainable materials including locally sourced wood and terracotta.
03
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and light.
04
Designed to reflect cultural heritage while supporting modern living needs.
05
Employs climate-responsive elements like shading devices and wind catchers.

**Overview**

Al Maskan is located within the UAE, where it presents a contemporary interpretation of modern Emirati living. The intent of the design is to harmonize traditional Emirati heritage with contemporary architectural methods, providing an adaptable environment that caters to the dynamic needs of its inhabitants. This project is rooted in cultural values while integrating innovative solutions that enhance the living experience.

**Flexible Spatial Strategy**

The spatial layout emphasizes a careful arrangement of private, semi-public, and public zones, ensuring a balance between personal privacy and communal interaction. The ground floor features essential social areas including a living room, dining area, and kitchen, arranged around a central courtyard with a pool that serves as a natural gathering space. The first floor accommodates private quarters, including adaptable bedrooms equipped with movable wall systems for customizable living configurations. This layout reflects the Emirati ethos of hospitality and emphasizes the importance of both family privacy and social connectivity.

**Material Selection and Environmental Integration**

The materials chosen for Al Maskan underscore the project's commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance. Concrete serves as the primary structural material for its durability, while glass elements enhance transparency and foster a connection between interior spaces and the exterior environment. Wood is used for shading and detailing, providing warmth that resonates with cultural identity. The use of terracotta tiles for roofing offers traditional character alongside thermal insulation properties. Additionally, the incorporation of courtyards, swimming pools, and native landscaping—such as date palms and sansevieria trifasciata—creates relaxing outdoor environments that not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to ecological sustainability. These design elements work collectively to achieve energy efficiency, ensuring that Al Maskan is a responsible and innovative addition to contemporary Emirati architecture.

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