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Natural Stone Cladding and Wind Catchers Shape A Sustainable Residential Villa in Dubai

Author:
Nasser Amer
Natural Stone Cladding and Wind Catchers Shape A Sustainable Residential Villa in Dubai

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional wind catchers and dynamic mashrabiya screens, the villa utilizes local sandstone and triple-glazed windows for energy efficiency, providing a modern and sustainable family residence in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind catchers for natural ventilation.
02
Features adjustable mashrabiya screens for solar control.
03
Constructed with local sandstone for cultural relevance.
04
Utilizes triple-glazed windows for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Offers a flexible layout for family privacy and interaction.

The Eco Manzil is an architectural project positioned in Dubai that reflects a contemporary interpretation of traditional Emirati architecture. It encompasses a residential villa designed to meet modern living requirements while addressing sustainability and cultural context. The project stands out due to its thoughtful integration of the local environment, innovative design solutions, and materials that resonate with the surrounding climate.

The villa is organized into two distinct blocks: a family domain and a guest area, allowing for both privacy and social interaction. This layout serves to enhance the functional use of space, a characteristic often sought after in modern architectural design. The project is completed with features that prioritize energy efficiency and natural ventilation, which are critical in the hot desert climate of Dubai.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining elements of Eco Manzil is the incorporation of a wind catcher, or barjeel, which is a traditional feature adapted to facilitate natural airflow throughout the living spaces. This not only serves as a means to cool the interior but also preserves the architectural heritage of the region. The design employs dynamic mashrabiya screens that are adjustable, allowing for flexibility in shading and privacy based on the season or time of day. This unique feature promotes energy conservation by controlling solar gains.

The materials selected for construction include sandstone for exterior cladding, which blends seamlessly with the local architectural language. The incorporation of triple glazing in windows minimizes heat transfer, thereby improving the villa's thermal performance. Additionally, the use of insulated concrete forms enhances energy efficiency, making the villa less reliant on mechanical cooling systems.

Sustainable Features

Eco Manzil emphasizes sustainability through the strategic use of solar panels, placed on the roof to harness energy from the sun. This not only contributes to the villa's energy needs but also aligns with broader environmental goals of reducing carbon footprints in urban areas. Furthermore, the design allows for future expansion, demonstrating adaptability to changing family needs without compromising the structure's aesthetic integrity.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design intent behind Eco Manzil, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This will provide comprehensive details on the unique architectural ideas that define this innovative residential project.

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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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