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Reimagining Privacy With Recycled Lattice Screens In Contemporary Urban Living

Authors:
Betsalel Hillel Fogel, Cindi Angelica Caggiano Pura, Alexandra-markela Stergiou
Reimagining Privacy With Recycled Lattice Screens In Contemporary Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled lattice screens and polyhedral modularity, this design reinterprets traditional privacy elements to create adaptable urban housing solutions that promote community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled plastics for lattice screens, enhancing sustainability and visual appeal.
02
Incorporates a polyhedral modular design, allowing flexible adaptation of living spaces.
03
Employs natural ventilation strategies through strategically placed openings for energy efficiency.
04
Features water capture systems using fog nets to promote resource conservation.
05
Includes communal areas that foster social interaction while ensuring privacy for residents.
The Mashrabiya Paradigm represents a contemporary architectural approach that merges traditional Islamic design with modern sustainability principles. Located in an urban context, this residential project emphasizes modularity and adaptability, accommodating diverse family configurations and dynamic living scenarios. The design aims to create spaces that foster community interaction while ensuring privacy through thoughtfully arranged living areas.

The overall arrangement features polyhedral modules that can be customized based on resident needs. Central to the design is the reinterpretation of the *mashrabiya*, which allows for natural light infiltration and ventilation while maintaining privacy. The facade utilizes lattice screens made from recycled plastics, reflecting a commitment to sustainable materials in modern architecture.

Sustainable aspects of the project include natural ventilation systems created through strategically placed openings, maximizing air flow without mechanical cooling reliance. Water conservation strategies, such as fog nets to collect water vapor, are also integrated into the design, contributing to environmental efficiency.

Adaptive Modularity
A defining feature of the Mashrabiya Paradigm is its modular design, which allows residents to adjust their living spaces. The flexibility in layout accommodates varying family sizes and lifestyles, promoting a sense of ownership among occupants. Each module can be expanded or reduced based on user preferences, thus creating personalized environments. This modularity challenges conventional housing structures by offering dynamic solutions to modern urban living.

The ground floor contains shared communal spaces, promoting social interaction among residents while maintaining distinct zones for privacy. This separation of public and private areas supports a cohesive community living experience, integrating both interaction and individual retreat in a single architectural setting.

Sustainable Features and Community Living
Sustainability is embedded throughout the architectural design, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and resource conservation. The incorporation of wind turbines allows for energy self-sufficiency, which aligns with the broader goals of reducing carbon footprints in urban settings. Additionally, the project focuses on maintaining thermal comfort, utilizing concrete for its thermal mass and promoting passive heating and cooling strategies.

The use of natural materials, such as wood for flooring and cabinetry, enhances the livability of each unit by providing warmth and comfort, strategically balancing modern materials with traditional influences. This careful selection of materials, combined with innovative construction methods, enables the project to stand out in the competitive landscape of contemporary housing.

For more detailed insights into the architectural designs, including architectural plans and sections, explore the full project presentation. By reviewing these elements, you can gain a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas and approaches that define the Mashrabiya Paradigm.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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