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Natural Stone and Geometric Forms Integrated with Traditional Mashrabiya in Emirati Family Home

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Natural Stone and Geometric Forms Integrated with Traditional Mashrabiya in Emirati Family Home
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Integrating traditional Mashrabiya screens with geometric forms and natural stone, the residence creates a harmonious environment fostering privacy and spaciousness for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional Mashrabiya screens for natural ventilation and privacy.
02
Utilizes natural stone cladding to enhance durability and aesthetic cohesion.
03
Features a flexible layout that integrates communal and private spaces seamlessly.
04
Includes solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable living.
05
Designed with large glass panels to maximize daylight and outdoor connectivity.

## Overview

Located in the UAE, the residential design project called “Reliability” integrates contemporary architectural practices with traditional Emirati aesthetics. This approach emphasizes the importance of blending modern amenities with the rich cultural context of the region. The design aims to foster a balance between functionality and visual appeal, utilizing a diverse range of materials that honor both modern construction techniques and traditional craftsmanship.

## Design Philosophy and Spatial Organization

The design philosophy focuses on creating an environment that supports family life and entertainment while ensuring privacy. The residence comprises three levels: a ground floor, mezzanine, and first floor, each designed to accommodate a variety of living activities. Key features include the incorporation of Mashrabiya screens for natural ventilation and privacy, alongside dynamic geometric forms that soften the building’s overall appearance. The layout supports interaction and community within the home, with flexible spaces designed for different functions, such as a gym, private offices, and expansive living areas.

## Material Considerations and Sustainability

The material palette comprises natural stone for the exterior, providing durability and an earthy aesthetic, complemented by wood in the Mashrabiya screens and large glass panels for transparency and connectivity to the outdoors. Reinforced concrete serves as the structural foundation, while steel elements enhance the building's strength. The color scheme employs warm tones inspired by the environment, facilitating visual harmony with the surroundings.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, featuring solar panels integrated into the roof to harness renewable energy and a 10,000-liter underground water tank for emergency water supply. The design also utilizes natural ventilation strategies, minimizing the need for air conditioning and contributing to energy efficiency within the hot Emirati climate.

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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.

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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