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Rammed Earth Walls and Ventilating Windcatchers Enhance Community Living Space

Authors:
Ahmad Pordel, Lisa Schreiber, Fatemeh Sedrehneshin
Rammed Earth Walls and Ventilating Windcatchers Enhance Community Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and traditional windcatchers, this community-focused residential design integrates sustainable materials to create a functional living environment in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional windcatchers for natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption.
02
Incorporates rammed earth walls to enhance thermal mass and cooling efficiency.
03
Features modular living units that can adapt to changing community needs.
04
Integrates green roof systems to promote biodiversity in an urban setting.
05
Adopts perforated clay blocks in facades for aesthetic appeal and light diffusion.

The "House of the Future" project is an architectural design initiative located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This project embodies a fusion of traditional Islamic architecture with contemporary design principles, aiming to create a sustainable residential environment. The central objective is to facilitate community living while respecting cultural heritage, balancing tradition, and modern functionality.

Community-Centric Layout

A significant feature of the House of the Future is its community-centric approach. The layout consists of modular units that promote interactions among residents. Each living space is arranged around communal courtyards, providing both privacy and opportunities for social engagement. These courtyards are designed as multifunctional outdoor spaces that enhance the quality of living while encouraging connections between inhabitants. This design prioritizes communal well-being, integrating spaces that foster a sense of belonging.

Innovative Sustainability Measures

One of the unique aspects of the project is its dedication to sustainability through innovative design strategies. The architecture incorporates several passive cooling techniques, significantly reducing energy consumption. Notable features include windcatchers that leverage natural ventilation to regulate indoor temperatures, thereby minimizing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. The structure also utilizes rammed earth and lightweight concrete for the walls, contributing to thermal efficiency while promoting resource-efficient construction.

Additionally, the architectural design integrates solar energy systems for renewable power generation, and water-saving technologies, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment systems, to support responsible water usage in the arid climate. These features position the House of the Future as a model for energy-efficient living.

Architectural Aesthetics and Materiality

The aesthetic components of the House of the Future carefully reflect regional architectural traditions while incorporating modern materials. The use of perforated clay blocks in facades not only serves a structural purpose but also enhances ventilation and light entry, creating visually compelling patterns that echo Islamic motifs. The combination of glass elements ensures ample daylighting within living spaces, further promoting a connection with the outdoors.

The materials chosen for this project, including sustainable options such as rammed earth and lightweight concrete, reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. This attention to materiality is not only practical but also enriches the overall architectural expression, presenting a cohesive design language that speaks to the cultural context of the UAE.

For those interested in exploring the architectural details of the House of the Future, it is advisable to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented. These elements provide deeper insight into the design process and the innovative solutions implemented in this project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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