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Smart Glass and Cool Brick Unite in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Linda Karen Vazquez
Smart Glass and Cool Brick Unite in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

A blend of smart glass and cool brick creates a climate-responsive home that fosters connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a functional and sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Smart glass windows reduce heat gain while maximizing natural light.
02
The use of cool brick enhances thermal performance tailored for the desert environment.
03
Charred wooden shingles contribute to both aesthetics and fire resistance.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
05
A flexible design allows for future expansion without structural disruption.

The House of the Future project is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and reflects contemporary architectural principles focused on sustainability, adaptability, and integration with the environment. The design emphasizes the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing comfort while responding to the local climate. It serves as a residential dwelling that caters to the needs of modern families through functional design and efficient use of space.

The architectural layout encompasses two levels. The ground floor includes essential public spaces such as the living room, dining area, kitchen, and a Majlis, reinforcing the significance of social interaction and cultural practices within the home. The upper level is dedicated to private quarters, housing bedrooms and a family room, ensuring privacy for residents. This clear division between public and private zones demonstrates an efficient spatial organization.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinctive feature of the House of the Future is its flexible design, allowing for future expansion without disrupting the existing structure. This adaptability is vital in a rapidly changing urban environment, where families may grow or shift in their spatial requirements. The incorporation of smart glass windows minimizes heat gain while maximizing natural light, showcasing an innovative approach to energy efficiency.

The project utilizes a selection of materials that prioritize sustainability. Cool brick for exterior walls effectively manages thermal performance, while natural wood offers aesthetic coherence and insulation properties. The inclusion of planting systems aids in cooling the environment and promoting biodiversity. This focus on materiality not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the overall user experience within the home.

Sustainability and Cultural Integration

The project embodies sustainability through its design choices, such as implementing overhangs to shield windows from direct sun, thereby reducing reliance on air conditioning. Additionally, the inclusion of the Majlis illustrates cultural sensitivity and fosters community engagement. The design responds to local customs, making it relevant and functional within the cultural context of Dubai.

Overall, the House of the Future establishes a modern architectural paradigm that combines practical living with environmentally conscious design. Exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of this project will provide deeper insights into its functional and aesthetic achievements. Further examination of the architectural ideas presented can reveal additional layers of complexity and thoughtfulness inherent in this residential design.

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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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