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Natural Ventilation and Limestone Facade Characterize a Sustainable Family Residence in the Desert

Author:
Ramdane Chabane
Natural Ventilation and Limestone Facade Characterize a Sustainable Family Residence in the Desert

Project in-detail

Utilizing date palm wood and limestone, the residence employs natural ventilation and water features to create a sustainable family living environment in Dubai's desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes date palm wood for sustainable and culturally relevant construction.
02
Incorporates a central void to enhance natural air circulation throughout the home.
03
Limestone and sandstone facades contribute to thermal mass and durability.
04
Water features are strategically placed to improve microclimates and aesthetics.
05
Design promotes privacy while accommodating family gatherings and individual spaces.

### Overview

Oasis House is a contemporary residence located in Dubai, thoughtfully designed to reflect traditional Emirati cultural and environmental elements. Situated in the arid desert landscape, the structure promotes sustainability alongside modern living standards while emphasizing the importance of community and family values. The architectural design integrates historical references to oases, creating a nurturing environment conducive to both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of Oasis House incorporates a symmetric structure that divides spaces into communal and private zones. This arrangement fosters family gatherings while respecting the cultural significance of privacy and hierarchy within Emirati society. The inclusion of a central atrium facilitates natural ventilation, improving indoor air quality and enhancing the overall comfort of the living spaces. Additionally, a spiral wooden staircase serves as a central feature, connecting different levels and allowing for fluid movement throughout the home.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials in Oasis House underscores both aesthetic value and functional performance. Date palm wood, integral to local craftsmanship, is utilized in various architectural elements, while durable stone (limestone, sandstone, marble, and travertine) integrates with the natural surroundings. Cellular concrete enhances thermal insulation, crucial for the region's climate, and environmentally friendly exterior coatings improve energy efficiency by promoting moisture regulation. The strategic placement of solar panels and water management systems further emphasizes the commitment to sustainability, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and optimizing water usage for landscaping needs.

Overall, these design elements culminate in a residence that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of its occupants while maintaining a strong connection to both cultural heritage and the environment.

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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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