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Passive Cooling Through Mashrabiya Screens and Mud Brick Construction in a Sustainable Residential Villa

Authors:
Mohammad Reza Ganjali Bonjar, Estefani Marx, Tianpei Zhou, Javad Ganjali Bonjar
Passive Cooling Through Mashrabiya Screens and Mud Brick Construction in a Sustainable Residential Villa

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional mud brick construction and dynamic mashrabiya screens, this villa effectively incorporates passive cooling strategies while providing a sustainable living space in a culturally responsive residential design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional mud bricks for enhanced thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Incorporates dynamic mashrabiya screens to optimize natural ventilation and light control.
03
Features strategically placed barjeer for passive cooling and air circulation.
04
Employs local coral stone for aesthetic and environmental integration.
05
Includes greywater reuse systems to support water conservation efforts.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, this modern family villa exemplifies a harmonious integration of cultural heritage and contemporary architectural practices, addressing the region's climatic challenges while embodying sustainable design principles. The project draws inspiration from the traditional architectural vocabulary of the United Arab Emirates, employing innovative methodologies to create an energy-efficient home that resonates with local traditions.

### Material Selection and Climatic Adaptation
The choice of materials reflects both practicality and aesthetic intent, incorporating concrete for structural integrity, mud bricks for thermal insulation, and locally sourced coral stones that strengthen the connection to the regional landscape. Wood elements enhance warmth in the decor, while strategically placed glass maximizes natural light without compromising energy performance. The architectural design addresses Dubai's high solar radiation through thoughtful orientation and zoning, utilizing mashrabiya screens on critical facades to diffuse sunlight while allowing for ventilation and views.

### Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is central to the villa’s design, featuring photovoltaic systems for energy production and greywater systems for water reuse, thus promoting resource efficiency within the context of local water scarcity. The implementation of barjeer (wind towers) facilitates natural ventilation, enhancing indoor comfort and minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. The design also incorporates distinct access points to balance accessibility and privacy, with flexible spaces that allow for future expansion, ensuring the villa adapts to changing family needs while maintaining its 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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