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Revitalizing Airflow with Traditional Mashrabiya and Sustainable Adobe in Luxurious Residential Design

Author:
Denis Roibu
Revitalizing Airflow with Traditional Mashrabiya and Sustainable Adobe in Luxurious Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional Mashrabiya for natural ventilation and locally sourced adobe for thermal efficiency, this luxurious residence seamlessly blends sustainable practices with modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional Qanat cooling system for passive temperature regulation.
02
Features extensive use of native plants in the landscaping to enhance biodiversity.
03
Incorporates 3D printing technology for intricate facade details.
04
Employs greywater recycling systems for irrigation and water conservation.
05
Constructed with locally sourced adobe to improve thermal performance and sustainability.

### Overview
The Emirati Elysium Estate is situated in a culturally rich context and designed to harmonize traditional Middle Eastern architecture with contemporary sustainability practices. The intent is to create a living environment that emphasizes ecological responsibility while maintaining high standards of comfort and aesthetics.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The design employs an iterative methodology that transitions from traditional modular units to a more modern spatial arrangement. Each unit is designed for flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on individual resident needs. A central atrium serves as a focal point, optimizing natural light and encouraging interaction among residents while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Strategies such as overhangs and adjustable shading devices are incorporated to enhance passive cooling, ensuring climatic comfort without compromising energy efficiency.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection is integral to both aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. An adobe-style finish made from clay tones contributes to thermal mass, regulating indoor temperatures effectively. The façade features pure white stone, which serves as both a visual anchor and a thermal buffer against external heat. Traditional black mashrabiya screens facilitate air circulation and shading, while solar panels enhance energy self-sufficiency. Additionally, greywater recycling systems are installed for irrigation and toilet use, promoting water conservation within the estate.

The meticulous integration of 3D printing technology for facade details exemplifies a blend of contemporary technique with traditional methods, reflecting a commitment to innovative design while honoring past practices.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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