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Natural Stone Facade Blending With Sustainable Materials in a Climate-Responsive Family Home

Authors:
Andreas Kallis, Sotiris Askanis
Natural Stone Facade Blending With Sustainable Materials in a Climate-Responsive Family Home

Project in-detail

The integration of a central atrium and natural stone facade enhances airflow and energy efficiency in a family home designed to thrive in the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project integrates a central atrium that enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
Natural stone facades are utilized to improve thermal performance in a desert climate.
03
Charred wooden shingles are incorporated for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
The layout promotes flexible living spaces that accommodate traditional gatherings while ensuring privacy.
05
Sustainable materials are prioritized, providing an environmentally responsive living environment.
The House of the Future - Atrium House, located in the United Arab Emirates, embodies a thoughtful integration of contemporary architecture and cultural elements. Designed with an area of 340 square meters, this residential project reflects the functional needs of modern living while addressing environmental considerations inherent to the region. The architecture exhibits a strategic layout that facilitates both privacy and connectivity among its inhabitants.

The core concept revolves around a centrally located atrium that enhances natural ventilation and connects various living spaces. By effectively utilizing this atrium, the design promotes indoor-outdoor relationships while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The layout situates communal areas on the ground floor—such as the kitchen, living room, and majlis—encouraging social interaction while maintaining purpose-driven separation of spaces. The first floor is allocated for private quarters, including a master bedroom with three ensuite bathrooms and additional bedrooms tailored for comfort and functionality.

Unique Design Features and Cultural Integration

What distinguishes the Atrium House from standard residential projects is its multifaceted approach to spatial organization and engagement with cultural identity. The atrium not only serves as a practical cooling mechanism but also acts as a visual focal point, drawing natural light and facilitating air circulation throughout the home. The design incorporates traditional Middle Eastern elements, particularly the majlis, which reinforces the importance of gathering spaces in Arabic culture.

Materials play a pivotal role in the project, balancing durability and aesthetic appeal. Stone is predominately used for its resistance to high temperatures, while concrete provides structural resilience. Wood details and ceramic bricks add warmth and textural variety, achieving harmony with the surrounding desert landscape. The choice of natural and sustainable materials contributes to energy efficiency and promotes long-term livability.

Sustainable Practices and Functional Spaces

The Atrium House integrates sustainable design practices into its architectural framework, emphasizing natural ventilation and daylighting. By incorporating large windows and strategically placed overhangs, the design allows natural light to permeate living spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting during the day. The careful dimensioning of the atrium is intended to optimize cool breezes, enhancing indoor comfort without extensive mechanical assistance.

The layout of the house supports flexible usage of space, accommodating social gatherings as well as private family time. The ground floor emphasizes communal living, while the upper level provides personal retreats, achieving a balance that caters to diverse needs. Additionally, the use of terracotta and marble in key locations contributes both to the building's thermal mass and its aesthetic richness, reinforcing the cultural context while promoting sustainability.

Explore the project presentation to gain a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that define the House of the Future - Atrium House. This analysis underscores the project's potential as a model for contemporary residential architecture, illustrating the union of functional design with cultural sensitivity. For a comprehensive examination, consider reviewing the architectural ideas that shape this unique living environment.
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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