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Perforated Brick Facades and Sustainable Palm Wood Create a Modern Home in the UAE

Authors:
Fares Neffati, Chaima Kouraichi, Ghassen Kadachi
Perforated Brick Facades and Sustainable Palm Wood Create a Modern Home in the UAE

Project in-detail

Utilizing perforated brick facades and sustainably sourced palm wood, this modern residence integrates cultural elements with passive cooling strategies to create a functional living space in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced palm wood to enhance sustainability and cultural relevance.
02
Features perforated brick facades that improve ventilation while maintaining privacy.
03
Employs modular design for flexibility in living spaces and future expansion.
04
Incorporates passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Integrates an Al Majlis gathering area to honor traditional social practices.
The House of the Future is an architectural design project that combines traditional Islamic-Arabian principles with modern architectural techniques. Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project aims to create a residential environment that promotes privacy, social interactions, and sustainability. The design effectively balances cultural values with contemporary living needs, resulting in a functional and adaptable home.

The fundamental layout of the house is organized into modular units that facilitate flexibility in usage. Key spaces within the design include an Al Majlis, which serves as a central gathering area, bridging the private and public realms of the residence. This design element reflects the cultural significance of hospitality, ensuring that the home remains welcoming and functional for both inhabitants and guests.

Material selection is a crucial aspect of the project. The design incorporates a combination of bricks for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, palm wood for interior finishes, tinted glass for light control, concrete as a primary structural element, aluminum for durability, and solar panels to enhance sustainability. These materials were chosen not only for their compatibility with the local climate but also for their ability to resonate with traditional architectural forms.

Unique Modular Design and Spatial Arrangement

What distinguishes this project from others is its modular design approach. Each module is designed to serve specific functions while maintaining a cohesive identity. The ground floor integrates communal spaces such as the living room, dining area, and open kitchen, encouraging family interaction. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to more private spaces, ensuring occupants can maintain a balance between social and personal areas. The thoughtful arrangement facilitates natural light and air circulation, key considerations in the UAE’s hot climate.

The exterior design further enhances the building’s unique characteristics. With perforated brick walls and varied material textures, the elevation achieves an aesthetic that respects local architecture while incorporating modern design elements. The orientation of the building, combined with the strategic placement of windows and shading devices, reduces heat gain and minimizes reliance on mechanical cooling options.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Another noteworthy aspect of the House of the Future is its emphasis on sustainability. Passive cooling strategies are implemented through natural ventilation and solar shading, reducing the overall environmental impact of the home. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, positions the residence as a forward-thinking solution that addresses contemporary energy challenges.

Through these design elements, the House of the Future not only serves as a functional residential space but also as a model of responsible architecture that reflects cultural values, climate considerations, and modern living standards.

To explore this project further, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and additional architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to engage with the project's presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approach and execution.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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