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Rammed Earth and Granite Mashrabiya Create Harmonious Family Residence in Dubai

Authors:
Hadil Ayman Fouad Abdelhamid Elsayed, Soha Osama Mohamed Kassem, Mohammed Ali Ibrahim Ali Mahmoud
Rammed Earth and Granite Mashrabiya Create Harmonious Family Residence in Dubai

Project in-detail

Crafted from rammed earth and accented with granite mashrabiya, this sustainable residential home in Dubai exemplifies a seamless integration of cultural heritage and modern living through thoughtful design and energy-efficient features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for superior thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Incorporates decorative granite mashrabiya to enhance privacy while allowing natural light.
03
Features open-concept living spaces designed for cross ventilation to reduce energy usage.
04
Integrates advanced gray water recycling systems for effective water conservation.
05
Employs an innovative air supply system utilizing underground cooling for climate adaptation.

## Project Overview

Located in Jabal Ali Village, Dubai, the House of the Future embodies a synthesis of traditional values and contemporary architectural design. This residential project focuses on environmental sustainability while emphasizing functionality and simplicity. The intent is to create a dwelling that not only reflects cultural heritage but also adapts to modern lifestyles.

### Conceptual Framework

The design integrates local architectural elements with innovative technologies to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. By incorporating features that resonate with traditional aesthetics, the house serves as both a living space and a symbol of cultural continuity. It thoughtfully balances heritage with modernity, ensuring that the spaces accommodate contemporary living requirements while respecting historical context.

## Materiality and Design Elements

### Material Selection

Material choices are central to the project, emphasizing durability, aesthetic integrity, and sustainability. Key materials include:

- **Rammed Earth**: Utilized for its thermal insulation properties, this local material supports energy efficiency.

- **Granite Mashrabiya**: A modern interpretation of traditional screens, it serves to control sunlight while maintaining cultural relevance.

- **Precast Concrete**: Selected for structural components, it enhances construction efficiency and contributes a modern aesthetic.

- **Double Walls**: These walls enhance thermal performance through insulating air gaps, ensuring comfort across varying climatic conditions.

- **Glass**: Strategically placed large windows and doors facilitate natural light entry and enhance outdoor views.

- **Water Management Systems**: Gray water recycling systems promote sustainability in water usage.

### Spatial and Aesthetic Design

The external façade presents a contemporary design with cultural nuances, featuring:

- **Arched Windows**: Inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, these elements allow natural ventilation and light.

- **Decorative Screens**: The mashrabiya-styled features address glare and provide privacy without obstructing views.

- **Landscaping**: The integration of local flora contributes to biodiversity while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the surroundings.

Internally, the layout prioritizes functionality with spacious communal areas, including a living room, dining area, and kitchen designed for open-concept living. The inclusion of internal atriums enhances cross-ventilation and natural lighting throughout the residence. A refined materials palette, characterized by soft neutrals and textured surfaces, creates an inviting ambiance.

### Sustainable Strategies

The design employs innovative sustainable technologies, including:

- **Cross Ventilation**: The strategic orientation of the house encourages natural airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

- **Underground Cooling**: This climate-responsive system utilizes the cooler subterranean temperatures to regulate indoor conditions.

- **Solar Energy Integration**: Solar panels are incorporated to promote renewable energy use and decrease the carbon footprint.

- **Emergency Water Solutions**: The system includes provisions for water conservation, equipped with a pool that can serve as an emergency water source.

### Cultural and Climatic Considerations

The design approach responds thoughtfully to local climatic conditions, utilizing sun orientation and wind patterns to optimize environmental performance. This cultural sensitivity ensures that the project evolves traditional forms and practices to meet contemporary residential needs, while future-proofing strategies address ecological and technological shifts.

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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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