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Mud Brick Structure With Natural Ventilation and Outdoor Living Spaces

Author:
Anahita Zarifi Afshar
Mud Brick Structure With Natural Ventilation and Outdoor Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Employing sustainable mud brick and passive cooling techniques, the design creates harmonious outdoor living spaces that enhance family interactions within a contemporary Emirati residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mud brick walls provide superior thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Wind towers facilitate passive cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
03
Outdoor kitchen promotes cultural dining experiences integrated with nature.
04
Interior gardens enhance air quality and connect living spaces to the outdoors.
05
The spatial layout combines privacy and communal areas to foster family interaction.

Villa Plumeria is a contemporary residential architectural project located in the United Arab Emirates. This design integrates traditional Emirati cultural elements with modern aesthetics and sustainable living principles. The project is fundamentally a family residence that accommodates the lifestyle and needs of an Emirati family while responding to climatic conditions and environmental context.

The architectural layout of Villa Plumeria is characterized by a clear division between private and communal areas, promoting both intimacy and interaction. Private spaces, including bedrooms and personal washrooms, are located in quieter areas of the house to ensure privacy. In contrast, communal zones, such as the living room and dining area, are designed to be open and inviting, fostering social interaction among family members. The main entrance provides a seamless transition into these spaces, enhancing accessibility and flow throughout the home.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the design. The villa employs passive cooling techniques that harness natural ventilation through strategic architectural features, such as wind towers. These features facilitate cooling without relying heavily on mechanical systems, thus reducing the project's energy consumption. The use of local materials, such as mud brick and concrete, in construction not only supports regional craftsmanship but also contributes to the home’s thermal efficiency.

Unique Design Approaches The design of Villa Plumeria distinguishes itself through several innovative approaches that merge tradition with modernity. One notable aspect is the incorporation of outdoor spaces, including gardens and an outdoor kitchen, which serve as extensions of the indoor living areas. This design decision not only enhances the living experience but also connects residents to the natural environment surrounding them. The outdoor kitchen reflects cultural practices around family gatherings and culinary traditions, integrating functionality with social cohesion.

The villa’s architectural form draws inspiration from traditional Emirati courtyard homes, reinterpreting these features in a contemporary context. By creating multi-directional views and cross-ventilation, the design maximizes natural light and airflow throughout the residence. This approach promotes energy-efficient living while reinforcing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments, crucial for the UAE's hot climate.

Functional and Aesthetic Considerations Functionality is a paramount consideration in the architectural design of Villa Plumeria. Each space is meticulously planned to address the daily routines of its residents. The ground floor maximizes communal living areas, allowing for family engagement and social activities, while ensuring access to outdoor environments that are conducive to leisure and relaxation.

On the first floor, bedrooms are strategically placed to optimize privacy without compromising the overall flow of the house. Balconies designed to overlook the gardens offer serene views while allowing natural light into interior spaces. The selection of materials, including mud bricks for walls, concrete for structural integrity, and wood for finishing touches, reflects a conscious effort to create a harmonious environment that balances durability with aesthetic warmth.

In summary, Villa Plumeria is a thoughtfully designed residential project that encapsulates the essence of Emirati culture while embracing modern architectural practices. The integration of sustainable design features alongside traditional elements makes it a relevant model for contemporary residential architecture in the region. For a deeper understanding of this project, please explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that highlight these important features and innovative ideas.

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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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