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Natural Limestone Facade With Traditional Mashrabiya Screens in a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Narmin Dashdamirli, Najiba Mammadova, Takhmasib Mollaeiubli
Natural Limestone Facade With Traditional Mashrabiya Screens in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional mashrabiya screens and a natural limestone facade, the design prioritizes sustainability and privacy within a modern family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for ventilation and privacy.
02
Uses locally sourced limestone for the exterior facade, enhancing sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard that promotes natural light and outdoor connectivity.
04
Utilizes a natural ventilation system through strategically placed wind towers.
05
Integrates a majlis as a communal gathering space reflecting cultural heritage.

## Project Overview
This residential development is situated in a typical area characterized by traditional Arabic architectural influences. The design aims to create a home that emphasizes privacy and aligns with local cultural heritage while incorporating sustainable architectural practices. The intent is to harmonize modern living with the region's identity, resulting in a residence that is both functional and contextually relevant.

## Spatial Organization
The layout of the residence is strategically divided into two levels, facilitating distinct uses of space. The first level comprises essential utility areas including a garage, a majlis designed for social gatherings, and private living quarters to ensure occupants' privacy. Bedrooms and service rooms are positioned to minimize exterior visibility. The second level features master and additional bedrooms, complemented by a library and study area that cater to the intellectual and personal needs of the inhabitants, reinforcing the balance between social interaction and private retreat.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes the use of locally sourced materials, with limestone panels forming the main façade. This choice not only supports aesthetic appeal but also enhances thermal regulation. Structural components utilize concrete for durability, while expansive glass windows facilitate natural lighting and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Interior wooden finishes add warmth and complement the stone exterior. Sustainable strategies, such as the incorporation of wind towers for natural ventilation and water features for microclimate enhancement, reflect a commitment to reducing energy reliance while improving living quality. The landscape design incorporates native plants, contributing to biodiversity and the overall environmental richness of the surroundings.

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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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