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Natural Ventilation and Precast Concrete Unite in Sustainable Family Home Design

Author:
Niousha Mehran
Natural Ventilation and Precast Concrete Unite in Sustainable Family Home Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing precast concrete and a double-height Majlis, the architectural design seamlessly merges traditional Emirati elements with modern sustainability, serving as a functional family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes precast concrete for rapid construction and environmental efficiency.
02
Incorporates a double-height Majlis to enhance airflow and social interaction.
03
Features extensive glass openings for maximum natural light and outdoor vistas.
04
Integrates a green box for vegetation, fostering a connection to nature.
05
Employs shading devices to mitigate direct sunlight and improve indoor comfort.

**Location and Context**

Located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, the project is set within a family-oriented community that offers convenient access to urban amenities. Its proximity to significant landmarks, including the Mall of the Emirates and Al Barsha Pond Park, ensures efficient connectivity while promoting an environment suitable for both local residents and expatriates. The design reflects a commitment to integrating the region's climate and cultural heritage with future adaptability.

**Spatial Organization**

The house features a clearly defined spatial strategy divided into three functional zones:

1. **Public Area (Ground Floor)**: Designed for social interaction, this level includes living and dining spaces that foster communal activities.
2. **Family Space (First Floor)**: This floor prioritizes privacy and comfort, containing family lounges and bedrooms.
3. **Quiet Area (Second Floor)**: A dedicated space for individual tasks, such as remote work and relaxation, ensuring a retreat from the communal areas.

The organization enhances the overall functionality, utilizing vertical circulation and communal spaces to maintain a cohesive flow throughout.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

Materials are chosen with emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact.
- **Precast Concrete** facilitates rapid construction while leveraging "green concrete" to lower ecological footprints.
- **Marble** flooring enhances both aesthetic quality and thermal comfort.
- **Metal Structures** provide flexibility in design, enabling modifications to the spatial layout as needed.
- **Wood** is used decoratively to echo traditional architectural forms.
- **Glass** maximizes natural light and connects indoor environments to the outdoors.

These selections contribute to a design ethos that aligns with both local context and sustainable building practices.

**Climate Responsive Design**

The residence incorporates strategies tailored to the arid climate of the UAE:
- **Orientation** positions rooms to capture cooler breezes and minimize heat.
- **Shading Devices** reduce exposure to direct sunlight and enhance indoor comfort through features like operable blinds.
- **Energy Efficiency** is achieved through the integration of solar panels, contributing to renewable energy use.

This climate-responsive approach combines functional living with an emphasis on energy conservation, reflecting broader goals of sustainability.

**Distinctive Features**

Key elements include a **Majlis**, serving as a space for social gatherings and symbolizing Emirati hospitality, characterized by its double-height design that facilitates airflow. The **Green Box** integrates natural elements into the living environment, enhancing the urban setting with greenery. Additionally, the **Iwan** extends living areas outdoors, promoting family interaction and leisure. These features collectively enhance the living experience, fostering community connections while respecting cultural traditions.

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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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