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Sustainable Home With Photovoltaics and Natural Wood Elements Embracing Cultural Heritage

Authors:
Mohand Bassam Shaikh Ahmad, Shatha Mohamed Naser Kamel
Sustainable Home With Photovoltaics and Natural Wood Elements Embracing Cultural Heritage

Project in-detail

Emphasizing cultural heritage through the use of reclaimed wood and integrated photovoltaic systems, the villa redefines sustainable living while providing a comfortable family residence within an arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employed reclaimed wood to enhance sustainability and connect with local heritage.
02
Incorporated photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption and enhance environmental efficiency.
03
Utilized a bent A-frame design to optimize airflow and natural light within the living spaces.
04
Integrated water features within the landscape to create a cooling microclimate around the villa.
05
Implemented innovative shading devices that enhance comfort while maintaining privacy and aesthetic appeal.
The Ghaf Oasis Villa emerges as an architectural response to the specific environmental and cultural context of Dubai. This residential project respects local heritage through its design while incorporating modern sustainability practices. The villa is designed to optimize comfort and functionality for contemporary family living, integrating natural elements and traditional motifs within its layout and aesthetics.

The overall design reflects an understanding of the regional climate, emphasizing passive cooling and maximizing natural light. The villa features extensive glazing paired with shading devices to minimize the impact of intense sunlight, enhancing indoor conditions without compromising energy efficiency. The incorporation of water features and greenery plays a significant role in creating a serene environment, while the Ghaf tree motif serves as a nod to Emirati heritage.

Innovative Zoning and Spatial Organization

The spatial organization within the Ghaf Oasis Villa illustrates a deliberate zoning strategy that segregates private and communal areas. The layout includes designated spaces for living, dining, and recreational activities, fostering social interaction among family members. Bedrooms are positioned to provide privacy and tranquility, while generous open-plan living spaces are designed for gatherings.

Unique elements include integrated outdoor spaces that blur the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding landscape. Large terraces and balconies extend the living area outdoors, maximizing the villa’s connection to nature. The design also promotes airflow and natural ventilation by strategically placing operable windows, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Sustainable Design Practices

Sustainability is central to the architectural choices made for the Ghaf Oasis Villa. The project employs a range of energy-efficient systems, including photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting technology. These elements are designed to diminish the villa's ecological footprint while contributing to the overall resilience of the structure.

Materials selected for construction emphasize durability and local sourcing, with options such as reinforced concrete for the primary structure and reclaimed wood for aesthetic and sustainable benefits. The project promotes thermal mass principles through its material choices and shading strategies, which collectively help to create a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

To explore further details of the Ghaf Oasis Villa, including architectural plans and sections, as well as additional architectural designs and ideas, please review the full project presentation. The integration of cultural significance with contemporary design strategies presents an insightful perspective on the potential for architecture in similar environmental contexts.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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