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Natural Limestone Facade With Shaded Outdoor Spaces Offering Sustainable Living Solutions

Author:
Samer Salim
Natural Limestone Facade With Shaded Outdoor Spaces Offering Sustainable Living Solutions

Project in-detail

A natural limestone facade combined with traditional wooden mashrabiya creates a unique under-yard concept that maximizes outdoor living while providing effective ventilation and privacy, tailored for a contemporary residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wooden mashrabiya to enhance privacy while allowing natural light.
02
Features a large shaded outdoor area of 265 m² designed for year-round use.
03
Utilizes locally sourced limestone cladding for durability and cultural relevance.
04
Employs wind towers to promote natural ventilation and cooling in the garden space.
05
Designed with modular configurations that allow for future expansion and adaptability.

**Project Overview**
The Under-Yard is situated in Aresha, an area characterized by traditional Arabian architectural practices. The design emphasizes the integration of traditional courtyard typologies, focusing on privacy and natural cooling methods while adapting to contemporary living requirements. By creating a semi-enclosed outdoor space, the project reinterprets historical residential forms, fostering outdoor living experiences in a modern context.

**Spatial Organization and Functionality**
The architectural layout is deliberately structured to differentiate between various functions within the residence. Essential services, including the reception area (Majlis) and helpers' rooms, are located on the ground floor, while the first and third floors are designated for private family spaces. This vertical organization allows for future expansion, accommodating the evolving needs of inhabitants. The design promotes an enlarged shaded outdoor area of 265 m², providing comfort and usability throughout the day. Natural cooling is facilitated through the incorporation of traditional wind towers, which enhance airflow to the garden, contributing to overall environmental efficiency.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The construction utilizes locally sourced materials, prioritizing sustainability while reflecting regional aesthetics. Limestone cladding offers durability and cultural resonance, while concrete structures contribute to modern appeal. Wooden mashrabiya elements enhance privacy without compromising natural light. The inclusion of photovoltaic (PV) panels underscores a commitment to renewable energy, reducing dependence on external power sources. Additionally, xeriscaping principles are employed in the landscaping to promote water efficiency, creating low-maintenance outdoor areas. This approach minimizes the heat island effect and encourages ecological balance within the residential environment.

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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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