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Natural Stone Facades Complemented by Traditional Windcatchers in Dubai’s Residential Courtyards

Author:
Mahmoud Mohamed Mohamed Ashreif
Natural Stone Facades Complemented by Traditional Windcatchers in Dubai’s Residential Courtyards

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional Barajeel windcatchers and a blend of locally sourced stone and brick, the design creates a sustainable living space centered around a communal courtyard that fosters social interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional Barajeel windcatchers for efficient natural ventilation.
02
Features a communal courtyard designed to enhance social interaction among residents.
03
Utilizes locally sourced stone and brick, reflecting regional craftsmanship.
04
Includes landscaped gardens that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Prioritizes passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

### Project Overview
Aknan is situated in the historical context of old Dubai, addressing the need for a design that integrates traditional architectural influences with contemporary living requirements. The intent is to create a harmonious blend that respects the cultural heritage of the area while responding to environmental and social contexts. The design emphasizes community engagement and privacy, making it suitable for modern lifestyles.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of Aknan is centered around an indoor courtyard, a feature inspired by historical architectural traditions of the Middle East. This courtyard not only serves as a communal space that fosters social interaction but also provides privacy for adjacent residential units. The ground floor presents an open-plan layout that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living areas, with key amenities including the Majlis, pantry, and landscaped gardens. On the first floor, private quarters are designed for familial interaction while maintaining individual privacy, with indoor terraces promoting connectivity to the outdoor environment.

### Material Applications
The selection of materials for Aknan balances aesthetic appeal and functional performance, ensuring resonance with traditional craftsmanship while adhering to modern sustainability standards. The facade employs stone for stability, while brick is utilized in masonry walls to enhance structural integrity and thermal mass. Wood accents add warmth to social spaces, and waterproof fabrics are integrated into outdoor elements for durability. Additionally, plaster and rough coatings enrich the textural experience within the interior and exterior spaces. Each material was carefully curated to support not only the architectural vision but also the overarching goal of energy efficiency in a challenging climate.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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