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Perforated Aluminum Façade Enhances Natural Ventilation in Contemporary Residential Design

Author:
Marcin Łukasz Szumilas
Perforated Aluminum Façade Enhances Natural Ventilation in Contemporary Residential Design

Project in-detail

The use of perforated aluminum panels in the façade creates a dynamic interplay of light and shade, enhancing natural ventilation while facilitating a family-centered living environment in a contemporary residential design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated aluminum panels provide solar shading while allowing for controlled natural light within the living spaces.
02
The central atrium serves as a focal point, enhancing airflow and promoting family interaction throughout the home.
03
Natural stone pavers seamlessly integrate outdoor and indoor spaces, creating continuity in design and usability.
04
The façade design is inspired by traditional Islamic patterns, bridging cultural heritage with modern materials.
05
Flexible modular layouts support future adaptations, accommodating changing family needs over time.

**Project Overview**

Malinka House, situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a contemporary residential design occupying a plot size of 15m x 30m (450 m²) and encompassing a total floor area of 320 m². The design is tailored to meet the demands of modern family living, integrating functional spaces that encourage social interaction while honoring traditional architectural elements. The arrangement of spaces fosters both connectivity and privacy, addressing the needs of a contemporary family lifestyle.

**Spatial Organization and Interaction**

The spatial layout of Malinka House centers around a prominent open atrium that functions as a core gathering space, facilitating natural light and promoting social engagement among family members. The design delineates private areas, such as bedrooms, from public zones, including the living and dining spaces, thereby enhancing comfort and discretion. This multi-layered approach allows for flexibility, with each level serving distinct purposes while maintaining interconnectivity, catering to various family activities.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The selection of materials in Malinka House reflects a commitment to durability and aesthetic integrity. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural element, while aluminum cladding with perforations forms the distinctive façade, balancing visual appeal with effective heat and light management. Extensive use of glass enhances natural illumination and visual connectivity with outdoor spaces. Sustainability is a key focus, achieved through climate-responsive design strategies, such as thoughtful orientation and shading to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. These measures promote energy efficiency and enhance the overall livability of the space in alignment with Dubai’s climate.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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