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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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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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