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Natural Lighting and Thermal Brick Integration in a Sustainable Family Dwelling

Author:
Xhsnyn Ebxttan
Natural Lighting and Thermal Brick Integration in a Sustainable Family Dwelling

Project in-detail

Incorporating triple-glazed curtain walls and thermal brick construction, this residential dwelling prioritizes energy efficiency and natural light, creating a harmonious environment for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an indoor garden as a central feature for biophilic living.
02
Employs triple-glazed curtain walls for optimal thermal insulation and natural light.
03
Features deep cantilevers for effective solar shading and reduced heat gain.
04
Utilizes low emission paints to enhance indoor air quality and sustainability.
05
Constructed with thermal bricks, ensuring superior energy efficiency compared to standard materials.
The House of the Future is a residential architectural project located in Nadd Al Shiba 2, Dubai, UAE. This design embodies a response to contemporary living demands while respecting traditional Emirati culture. It integrates advanced sustainability features with functional living spaces, facilitating a lifestyle that balances comfort, efficiency, and cultural heritage.

The architectural design emphasizes a cohesive flow among public, semi-public, and private spaces, promoting family interactions while ensuring privacy where necessary. Large, triple-glazed curtain walls allow copious natural light to penetrate, mitigating artificial lighting needs. External shading through deep overhangs and cantilevers is carefully employed to reduce solar heat gain, featuring an approach that aligns with the project's energy efficiency goals.

Spatial organization within the House of the Future is strategic. Key components include a Majlis for communal gatherings, a living area that adjoins an indoor garden, and a service zone that efficiently connects kitchens and bathrooms without imposing on the aesthetic flow of the common areas. The layout encourages circulation while maintaining functional separation, a critical feature that often distinguishes this project from other residential designs.

Unique Design Approaches

A defining feature of the House of the Future is its use of sustainable materials like thermal bricks and green concrete slabs, which enhance insulation and reduce overall energy consumption. The choice to implement low emission paints contributes to a healthier indoor air quality. These material selections not only cater to sustainability but also reflect a contemporary architectural vocabulary that appeals to modern sensibilities.

The integration of an interior garden allows for biophilic design, encouraging natural interaction with greenery within the home. This garden serves as a central point around which other areas converge, facilitating organic family gatherings in a comfortable setting. Additionally, the residential structure employs a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) cooling system, representing a forward-thinking solution for climate control that further emphasizes energy efficiency.

Environmental Strategies Implemented

The House of the Future incorporates extensive passive design strategies, emphasizing natural lighting and thermal management. The orientation of the building is utilized to optimize sunlight exposure while minimizing direct heat gain. Efficient insulation methods reduce dependency on mechanical systems, aligning with the architect’s vision of sustainability.

Key architectural details, such as the use of wood finishes in interior spaces, enhance the tactile experience and provide warmth to the minimalist aesthetic. Thoughtful spacing and strategic openings enhance airflow and natural ventilation, reflecting a comprehensive consideration of environmental conditions pertinent to the region.

For further insights into the architectural features of this project, it is recommended that readers review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that illustrate the technical intricacies and innovative ideas underpinning the House of the Future.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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