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Natural Ventilation Through Traditional Mashrabiya and Sustainable Travertine in Residential Design

Author:
Walaa Khairy Ahmed Abdelaziz Ahmed
Natural Ventilation Through Traditional Mashrabiya and Sustainable Travertine in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Employing traditional Mashrabiya screens for natural ventilation and durable travertine for thermal performance, this residential design successfully blends cultural heritage with modern sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional Mashrabiya screens for enhanced privacy and light filtration.
02
Features a central wind tower for natural ventilation throughout the home.
03
Incorporates modular steel framework for efficient construction and flexibility.
04
Employs sustainable travertine for thermal efficiency and durability.
05
Integrates rooftop gardens to promote biodiversity and urban greening.

## Overview

The House of the Future is situated on a 15 by 30 meter plot in Dubai, designed to respond to the region's contemporary living demands and environmental challenges. The project maximizes the building footprint while ensuring privacy and functionality amid a dense urban setting. The layout embraces optimal air circulation and natural light, addressing the extreme climate prevalent in the area.

## Design Strategy and Functionality

### Modular Design for Flexibility

The design utilizes a modular, prefabricated approach that emphasizes sustainability. A basement is incorporated to separate service functions from the primary living areas, allowing for a more organized circulation path. This division enhances accessibility and optimizes space usage. The modular steel framework stands atop a concrete foundation, facilitating streamlined construction while reinforcing structural integrity.

### Integrated Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a priority in the design, with features such as passive cooling strategies, advanced water management systems, and photovoltaic panels for energy generation. A central wind tower serves as a natural ventilation system, channeling breeze into living spaces to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling methods.

## Material Selection and Aesthetic

The project employs a selection of durable materials that effectively balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Concrete forms the foundation for stability, while a prefabricated steel framework offers resilience and quick assembly. Travertine stone clads the exterior, combining luxury with thermal performance. Photovoltaic panels are strategically positioned to leverage Dubai's sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency. The warm color palette is designed to create inviting interior environments, reinforcing a family-oriented atmosphere.

### Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The interior layout promotes an open-concept design that merges living, dining, and kitchen areas, supported by large windows that facilitate natural light penetration. The Majlis room, located within the service volume, respects cultural norms of hospitality while maintaining accessibility for residents and guests. Vertical connectivity is achieved through a panoramic elevator and generous terraces, fostering interaction between different levels and outdoor spaces.

Circulation pathways are clearly defined, improving navigation throughout the house. Entrances are designed for ease of access, accommodating both residents and visitors, and thereby enhancing the building’s overall functionality.

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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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