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Rammed Earth and Solar Panels Blend Traditional Heritage with Sustainable Living in a Contemporary Residence

Author:
Jad Fayez Osseiran
Rammed Earth and Solar Panels Blend Traditional Heritage with Sustainable Living in a Contemporary Residence

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and solar panels define a sustainable residence that embraces traditional Emirati design while offering modern family living through its adaptable spaces and water conservation features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth provides high thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Solar panels on the roof support a net-zero energy goal.
03
Traditional arches and wooden screens enhance cultural authenticity.
04
Rainwater harvesting system reduces water consumption.
05
Flexible interior spaces adapt to evolving family needs.
Dar Al Sahra is an architectural project located in the Middle East, embodying a contemporary approach that merges traditional Emirati design with sustainable practices. The project serves as a residential environment that promotes family connectivity and community interaction while addressing the environmental challenges of the region. The layout features a central courtyard that encourages social gathering and offers a private outdoor space.

The house is structured around principles of energy efficiency and resource management. It emphasizes the use of local materials, including rammed earth, which provides thermal mass and insulation, reducing dependency on artificial climate control systems. Solar panels installed on the roof are designed to harness solar energy, contributing to the project’s goal of achieving a net-zero energy status.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN APPROACHES

Dar Al Sahra employs several unique design approaches to enhance its sustainability. One such strategy is the incorporation of a rainwater harvesting system, which captures and stores rainwater for irrigation and other household uses. This feature underlines the project’s commitment to water conservation in a region known for its arid climate.

Natural ventilation is another critical aspect of the design. The positioning of large openings and strategically placed windows facilitates airflow throughout the residence, minimizing reliance on mechanical air conditioning. By allowing for passive cooling, the project enhances indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption.

Culturally sensitive design elements, such as ornate wooden screens and traditional arches, link the contemporary structure to its heritage. These elements not only add aesthetic value but also serve functional purposes by providing shade and privacy, reflecting the architectural vocabulary of the region.

INTEGRATION OF NATURAL ELEMENTS

Dar Al Sahra carefully integrates landscaping with native flora surrounding the building. This approach positions the architecture within its natural context, enhancing biodiversity and ecological sustainability. The landscape design complements the structural elements, creating a harmonious relationship between built and natural environments.

The flexible interior layout reflects modern living dynamics, allowing families to adapt spaces according to their needs. This adaptability is an important consideration in the design, ensuring the residence can evolve over time.

For a comprehensive understanding of this innovative residential project, users are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented. A detailed analysis of the architectural ideas further illustrates how Dar Al Sahra stands out among similar projects in the region.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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