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Perforated Red Brick Facade with Central Atrium and Integrated Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Valentin Popescu, Ziad Wahida
Perforated Red Brick Facade with Central Atrium and Integrated Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

A perforated red brick facade provides solar shading and privacy while a central atrium enhances natural ventilation, creating an energy-efficient residential space that harmonizes with its desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated facade design provides effective solar shading while maintaining privacy.
02
Central atrium enhances natural ventilation and light distribution throughout the residence.
03
Desert flora landscaping incorporated to support local biodiversity and climate resilience.
04
Utilization of red brick for thermal mass improves energy efficiency in extreme temperatures.
05
Water feature integrated into the design contributes to humidity regulation and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the design of Dar Al Shams integrates contemporary residential architecture within the city’s dynamic cultural and environmental landscape. The project is guided by the intent to explore the interplay between sustainability, heritage, and modern living practices. By acknowledging historical architectural precedents, the design seeks to create a harmonious living environment that resonates with both past and future influences.

### Sustainable Design Approach
A key focus of Dar Al Shams is its commitment to sustainability, employing a combination of passive and active environmental strategies to minimize energy consumption and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The use of traditional materials is combined with modern construction techniques to address the challenges of urban living in a desert climate.

### Material Selection and Spatial Configuration
The material palette reflects a thoughtful selection aimed at durability and aesthetic warmth. Key materials include red brick for thermal mass, expansive glass for natural light, and metal structures for flexible spatial arrangements. The architectural design emphasizes open floor plans and distinct zones that encourage social interaction while maintaining personal privacy. Notable features include a central atrium that facilitates natural ventilation and light, and a sculptural staircase that visually connects different levels of the home.

The exterior façade integrates a perforated screen to balance shading and privacy while contributing to the overall environmental performance. Interior elements, such as water features, enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality, promoting sustainability through increased humidity and visual tranquility.

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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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