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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.

### Overview

The House of the Future - Atrium House, situated in the United Arab Emirates, exemplifies a contemporary architectural approach that merges innovative design with sustainable practices. Spanning 340 square meters, the layout responds to the requirements of modern living while incorporating cultural elements intrinsic to the region. Key design aspects focus on enhancing user experience, ensuring environmental harmony, and reflecting local traditions.

### Spatial Organization

#### Ground Floor Layout
The ground floor is organized around communal areas that promote social interaction. The kitchen is designed for optimal functionality and accessible movement during gatherings. The atrium serves as a natural cooling mechanism while also enriching the aesthetic of the interior. The living and dining spaces are configured to facilitate interactions among residents and visitors, adaptable for various group settings.

#### First Floor Layout
The first floor comprises the master bedroom, which features three ensuite bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort. Additional bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged to maximize usability and comfort, catering to diverse family needs.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials for the Atrium House considers both environmental and cultural factors suitable for the UAE's climate.

1. **Stone**: Provides durability and heat resistance essential for the harsh desert conditions.
2. **Concrete**: Offers structural integrity and longevity, essential for the building's framework.
3. **Wood**: Introduces warmth into the design, balancing the harsher elements found in construction.
4. **Ceramic Bricks**: Employed in the sunbreak design, these bricks not only contribute to the visual appeal but also serve practical functions in regulating sunlight.
5. **Marble**: Used within interior spaces, it lends an element of sophistication.

In addition to these materials, reinforced concrete beams, aluminum windows, terracotta surfaces, and extensive glazing further enhance the building’s thermal performance and aesthetic qualities.

### Design Impact

The Atrium House promotes sustainable living through effective natural ventilation and daylight access. The strategic placement of the atrium enables temperature regulation without heavy reliance on mechanical systems, while large openings ensure abundant natural light, minimizing the use of artificial lighting. The design also reflects key elements of Middle Eastern architecture, honoring traditional motifs while integrating contemporary architectural principles. The inclusion of a majlis reinforces the social fabric of the community, emphasizing hospitality and meaningful interactions among occupants.

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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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