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Rotating Sustainability Platform with Fluted Concrete and Natural Timber Elements in a Modern Residential Setting

Authors:
Saja Al Gharib, Rona Koobayssi
Rotating Sustainability Platform with Fluted Concrete and Natural Timber Elements in a Modern Residential Setting

Project in-detail

A rotating sustainability platform utilizes fluted concrete and natural timber to create a modern residential villa that balances privacy and communal living within the arid climate of the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rotating sustainability platform optimizes solar exposure and natural ventilation.
02
Fluted concrete panels facilitate rainwater collection for efficient water management.
03
Internal courtyards create microclimates that enhance indoor air quality.
04
The design incorporates traditional Majlis spaces to promote cultural connection.
05
Operable glass walls seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living areas.

The Sustainable Platform Villa is an architectural project located in the United Arab Emirates, designed to address the needs of contemporary living while integrating principles of sustainability and environmental consciousness. This villa exemplifies an innovative blend of traditional and modern design, offering a living space that encourages community interaction and personal privacy.

At its core, the villa is divided into functional areas spread across three levels. The basement includes service spaces essential for the operation of the residence. The ground floor serves as the primary social area, featuring interconnected living, dining, and kitchen spaces, along with a traditional Majlis that reflects local culture. The second floor is dedicated to bedrooms, providing a private retreat with access to outdoor platforms designed for relaxation and connection to nature.

Innovative Orientation and Sustainability Features

This project stands out due to its unique ‘Sustainability Platform.’ This design element is capable of rotating to optimize solar exposure, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and natural ventilation. By harnessing the local climate, the villa minimizes dependency on mechanical cooling systems. The use of operable windows enhances air circulation throughout the space, while biospheres integrated into the design create microclimates that improve air quality inside the home.

Moreover, the villa employs a series of advanced materials, such as ultra-low carbon concrete blocks and fluted panels that facilitate rainwater collection. These choices not only improve the environmental performance of the structure but also reflect a conscious effort to minimize the overall carbon footprint.

Spatial Efficiency and Aesthetic Considerations

Attention to spatial organization is critical throughout the design. The architectural plans are meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Folding glass walls provide visual continuity and physical access to outdoor living areas, thereby enhancing the residents’ interaction with their environment. The interior courtyard is another design feature that serves to link various spaces together while nurturing a tranquil atmosphere.

The aesthetic is characterized by clean lines and a minimalist approach, utilizing a neutral color palette that complements the surrounding landscape. Wooden cladding provides warmth and contributes to shading, while balconies extend the living spaces outside, reinforcing the villa's connection to its environment.

The Sustainable Platform Villa merges architecture with sustainability, firmly positioning itself as a model for future developments in the UAE and other arid regions. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of this design, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and detailed drawings will provide further insights into how the design functions both practically and aesthetically.

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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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