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Rammed Earth Walls and Mirrored Facades Enhancing Desert Living in Abu Dhabi Villa

Author:
Natacha Bouloukliev
Rammed Earth Walls and Mirrored Facades Enhancing Desert Living in Abu Dhabi Villa

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and reflective facades, the villa merges sustainable materials with local design traditions to create a functional family residence in the heart of Abu Dhabi's desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide natural thermal insulation, reducing energy needs.
02
Mirrored facades reflect the surrounding desert, blending the villa into its environment.
03
The design integrates a traditional Majlis for cultural gatherings and social interaction.
04
Palm wood flooring showcases local craftsmanship and sustainable material use.
05
Solar panels on the roof contribute to the villa's energy efficiency and sustainability.
This architectural project features a contemporary villa located in Al Hiyar, Abu Dhabi, demonstrating a balance between modern needs and traditional Emirati values. The design integrates sustainable practices and regional aesthetics, creating a space that promotes comfort and functionality for family living.

The villa's layout is characterized by a single-story design that ensures accessibility and ease of movement. An open floor plan connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, enhancing the interaction among family members while maximizing natural light. Careful attention is paid to the arrangement of private spaces, such as bedrooms, where privacy is an essential consideration. The inclusion of a Majlis reinforces social interaction, providing a dedicated area for gatherings—a key aspect of Emirati culture.

Sustainable design practices are central to this project. The use of rammed earth walls provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy demands in both heating and cooling. Material selections are purposeful, employing local and environmentally conscious resources. The villa features palm tree log flooring that reflects local craftsmanship and sustainability principles. The exterior's mirrored walls enable the structure to blend with the desert landscape while enhancing energy efficiency through passive solar gain. Solar panels on the roof further augment the villa's sustainability efforts, allowing for renewable energy generation.

Innovative design approaches distinguish this project from typical constructions. The thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a strong connection with the surrounding environment. The villa's architecture intentionally responds to the climate of Abu Dhabi, optimizing natural light and ventilation, which contribute to the overall comfort and functionality of the living spaces. Additionally, the design maintains a service block that separates utility areas from main living spaces, ensuring that the villa remains understated and conducive to family life.

The architectural design promotes ecological responsibility, cultural relevance, and efficient living. By employing materials and methods that honor local traditions while addressing contemporary lifestyle needs, this villa stands as a thoughtful representation of modern Emirati architecture.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, including the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into its unique features and design philosophy.
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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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