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Natural Stone Facade Complemented by Traditional Mashrabiya in a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Zainab Alami, Fidah Abdul Razak
Natural Stone Facade Complemented by Traditional Mashrabiya in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

The integration of a natural stone facade and traditional mashrabiya screens creates a harmonious balance between sustainability and cultural heritage in a residence designed for family living and social gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens, enhancing privacy while allowing airflow.
02
Natural stone facade provides thermal regulation suited for the regional climate.
03
Multi-purpose communal areas are strategically placed to foster family interactions.
04
Sustainable landscaping utilizes native plants to support local biodiversity.
05
Solar panels are integrated into the roof design to optimize energy efficiency.

### Overview and Concept

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Emirati Home project draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage and hospitality traditions of the region. The design pays homage to traditional Emirati architecture while incorporating modern amenities that enhance both comfort and functionality. Central to the project is the concept of "Beit," or house in Arabic, which emphasizes communal living through the integration of a "majlis," a traditional gathering space intended to foster social interactions among family and friends.

### Spatial Arrangement and Materiality

**Spatial Strategy**
The home's layout is designed to optimize natural light and privacy. It features interconnected spaces that promote openness and community while adhering to a hierarchical organization that differentiates public and private areas. The formal majlis is elevated relative to the private bedrooms, reflecting the significance of spatial hierarchy in Emirati domestic architecture.

**Material Choices**
The project employs a combination of robust materials to achieve a balance between structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete provides foundational strength, while marble is extensively used for its luxurious finish, particularly in the façade. Wood accents, utilized for privacy screens, introduce warmth, and large glass windows create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing for ample daylight and connection to nature. Stone elements integrate with polished marble to enrich the tactile experience of the home.

### Sustainability and User Experience

**Integration of Green Spaces**
The design incorporates lush gardens and courtyards featuring native flora, creating serene retreats within the bustling urban context. This emphasis on nature reflects traditional Emirati homes, where the relationship between built and natural environments is paramount.

**Sustainability Practices**
Sustainable design features include solar panels and water conservation systems, such as low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation methods, which aim to minimize resource wastage and support the UAE's commitment to environmental stewardship.

**Adaptability of Spaces**
The home’s diverse layout includes multipurpose areas like a family dining space, a children's playroom, and separate guest quarters, allowing for flexibility and catering to the dynamic needs of an Emirati family. This adaptability fosters an environment conducive to shared activities and gatherings.

### Architectural Outcomes

**Visual Impact and Cultural Reflection**
The architectural aesthetic combines contemporary design with traditional elements, characterized by clean lines and textural contrasts that create a visually striking façade. This design serves as both a modern interpretation of Emirati values and a celebration of cultural identity, reinforcing the importance of hospitality and family in Emirati life. Strategic placement of windows and outdoor spaces enhances the user experience, balancing privacy with community engagement.

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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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