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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.

## Project Overview
The Eco Manzil is a villa located in Dubai, designed to integrate the cultural traditions of Emirati architecture with modern design considerations. The project addresses functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic value, while offering an environmentally conscious living solution suited to the region's climate. The spatial organization features distinct zones for family and guests, enhancing privacy while promoting communal interaction.

### Design and Performance Features
The architecture incorporates traditional elements such as the wind catcher (barjeel), combined with modern technologies like solar panels and dynamic louvers. The design prioritizes passive cooling and energy efficiency, ensuring comfortable indoor conditions. Key features include:
- **Wind Catcher**: Facilitates natural ventilation by directing airflow into living spaces, enhancing indoor comfort.
- **Dynamic Mashrabiya Screens**: Adjustable screens provide shade and control solar gain, improving livability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- **Triple Glazing Windows**: Enhance energy efficiency by minimizing thermal gains while allowing ample natural light.

### Material Selection
Material choices for Eco Manzil reflect local traditions while meeting contemporary building standards. Key materials include:
- **Sandstone**: Serves as exterior cladding, reinforcing regional identity.
- **Glass**: Utilized in triple-glazed format for superior energy efficiency.
- **Dynamic Louvers**: Constructed from lightweight materials for ease of adjustment.
- **Insulated Concrete Form (ICF)**: Supports high thermal performance and reduces energy loss.
- **Coral Stone**: Employed for façade elements, reinforcing cultural connections.
- **GRP Water Tank and Pump**: Provide efficient water storage solutions.

This material palette not only enhances structural integrity but also supports sustainable practices, utilizing local resources and modern technologies.

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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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