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Steppe Profile Enveloped in Natural Wood Tones With Reinforced Concrete and Expansive Courtyards

Authors:
Rebecca Soriano Carmona, Amador Mendoza Pinto, Irma Lozada Rincon, Valeria Sarahi Leon Suarez
Steppe Profile Enveloped in Natural Wood Tones With Reinforced Concrete and Expansive Courtyards

Project in-detail

Stepped profiles inspired by yacht design and enhanced by native landscaping create a harmonious blend of privacy and community within this contemporary residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stepped architectural profile mimics the form of a yacht.
02
Incorporates extensive native landscaping to enhance microclimate.
03
Features integrated courtyards for natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes high-quality reinforced concrete for durability and aesthetic coherence.
05
Private areas are strategically positioned to ensure seclusion and comfort.

### Project Overview

Azzam House is situated in a context that blends contemporary architectural design with the cultural heritage of Emirati living. The design draws inspiration from the profile of a yacht, characterized by a stepped form that rises from the street to the private living spaces above. The intent is to create a hierarchy of spaces that distinctly separates public, semi-public, and private areas, thereby facilitating both communal interaction and personal privacy.

### Spatial Organization and Design Outcomes

The layout of Azzam House is systematically organized across multiple levels, each fulfilling specific functions while promoting interaction with the surrounding environment.
- **Ground Floor (86.9 m²)**: Features include a majlis, garage, main entrance, living and dining areas, and a spacious kitchen with an adjoining pantry. The ground floor emphasizes openness, illuminated by natural light and enhanced by strategically placed courtyards that integrate greenery into the living experience.
- **Basement (71.39 m²)**: This level serves as a multi-functional area encompassing service and utility spaces, while the incorporation of plant species and water features fosters a microclimate reflective of the local landscape.
- **First Floor (85.05 m²)**: Private spaces, including bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, are arranged to maximize seclusion while allowing for ease of movement.
- **Top Floor and Roof (37.97 m²)**: Designed for relaxation and entertainment, this elevated space features a swimming pool and leisure areas, further enhancing the connection to outdoor living.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The material selection for Azzam House underscores its architectural ethos. Structural elements include reinforced concrete and steel frameworks, while the façade features glass to enhance transparency and light. The interior finishes comprise porcelain and marble tiles for flooring, alongside textured paints and high-quality fixtures.

In terms of landscaping, the project integrates native flora such as olive trees, date palms, and aloe vera, promoting sustainability and ecological harmony. This careful choice of materials and landscaping not only emphasizes aesthetic appeal but also aligns with environmental sensibilities, addressing local climate challenges through the use of endemic vegetation and water features that contribute to cooling and visual respite throughout the property.

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

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Competition organisers

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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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