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Sliding Screens and Limestone Cladding in a Family Home Emphasizing Outdoor Living

Authors:
Amir Zvi Wertheimer, Brigid Wright
Sliding Screens and Limestone Cladding in a Family Home Emphasizing Outdoor Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating sliding screens and a limestone-clad facade, this family home enhances privacy and airflow while seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates movable sliding screens to adjust privacy and light levels throughout the day.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and promotes outdoor living.
03
Utilizes a limestone facade that blends with the surrounding desert landscape.
04
Designed with low-E glass to reduce UV exposure while maximizing daylighting.
05
Offers a layout that segregates common and private spaces, catering to family dynamics.
AIR HOUSE is a residential architectural project located in the United Arab Emirates. It embodies a balanced integration of traditional Emirati architectural elements with contemporary design principles. The project emphasizes a sustainable approach to living by introducing passive cooling strategies and a layout conducive to family interaction and privacy.

The fundamental design concept centers on a central courtyard, facilitating natural ventilation and encouraging indoor-outdoor living. This feature also promotes a connection to the environment while addressing the challenges of the desert climate. The architectural composition features clear lines, open spaces, and a carefully curated selection of materials, responding effectively to both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the defining aspects of the AIR HOUSE project is its innovative use of sliding screens. These screens serve multiple purposes, including providing privacy, managing light, and enhancing energy efficiency. This design strategy explores adjustable spatial arrangements, allowing residents to modify their living spaces based on their daily needs. The design also incorporates a color palette derived from natural earth tones found in the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the project’s contextual relevance.

The layout includes a thoughtful division between communal and private areas. The first floor comprises essential living spaces such as the living room and kitchen, promoting social interactions among family members. Meanwhile, the second floor is designed for private quarters, ensuring peace and seclusion. Each bedroom features access to balconies, reinforcing the concept of blended indoor-outdoor living while facilitating cross-ventilation.

Sustainable Design Elements

The architectural design of AIR HOUSE focuses on sustainability through the choice of materials and passive climate strategies. The exterior is clad in stucco, which combines durability with thermal efficiency. Limestone is utilized for its natural beauty and suitability for the local environment. Low-E glass is employed in windows to minimize UV radiation while allowing natural light penetration, further enhancing energy efficiency.

The central courtyard plays a pivotal role in facilitating airflow, maximizing natural light, and providing a sheltered outdoor space that complements the desert environment. This consideration for the local climate demonstrates a commitment to sustainable architecture, promoting a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

For an in-depth exploration of the AIR HOUSE project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative architectural ideas, please refer to the complete project presentation.
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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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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