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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.

### Overview

Located in the metropolitan area of Dubai, the Ghaf Oasis Villa integrates architectural design with cultural significance and sustainable practices. The design draws from local vernacular elements, reflecting the region's identity while addressing environmental context. Emphasizing comfort and privacy, the villa's conceptual framework draws inspiration from the Ghaf tree and the historical reliance on natural resources, manifesting in features that enhance user experience within the desert climate.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout of the villa is organized into clearly defined zones, balancing private and communal spaces to promote family living. Key areas such as the garage, living spaces, and utility sections are organized to facilitate optimal flow and functionality. Innovative shading screens contribute to comfort while enhancing aesthetics, allowing natural light to filter through spaces like the lobby and living areas. The orientation of the villa is designed to maximize privacy, aligning with the cultural expectations prevalent in the region.

### Material Choices and Sustainability

The selection of materials is characterized by durability and sustainability, including reinforced concrete for structural integrity, large glass openings for natural light, and reclaimed wood which connects to cultural heritage. Photovoltaic panels are integrated to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. The use of prefabricated concrete blocks allows for modular expansion, ensuring adaptability for future needs while maintaining longevity in the face of climate challenges. Light color applications contribute to thermal performance by reflecting heat, further enhancing the villa's sustainability profile.

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

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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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