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Sustainable Housing Featuring GRC and AAC Elements for Climate Adaptation in Dubai

Authors:
Bhavana Gulaty, Tanishq Roy, Sachin Gulaty
Sustainable Housing Featuring GRC and AAC Elements for Climate Adaptation in Dubai

Project in-detail

Incorporating GRC and AAC for enhanced thermal efficiency, this sustainable residence harmonizes modern living with cultural heritage in Dubai, providing adaptable spaces for family engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates water features for natural cooling and humidity control.
02
Utilizes cross-ventilation strategies to enhance air flow throughout the residence.
03
Integrates a Majlis for cultural gatherings and family interactions.
04
Features adjustable spaces that adapt to various family needs and functions.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for durability and localized aesthetic appeal.
The "Desert Rose" project, located in the urban area of Dubai, is a residential architecture endeavor designed for a family of four. This project emphasizes sustainability while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding desert landscape. The structure reflects a modern architectural approach, balancing aesthetic appeal with functional design. The primary goal of the "Desert Rose" is to create an efficient living space that resonates with the cultural heritage and environmental context of the region.

The design incorporates a variety of functional spaces, distributing them across three levels: the Lower Ground, Upper Ground, and First Floor. Each level serves distinct purposes, facilitating both private and communal interactions. Key features include a Majlis on the Lower Ground, which serves as a traditional gathering space, and a double-height dining area on the Upper Ground that promotes social connectivity. The incorporation of water features throughout the residence provides a natural cooling effect, enhancing the comfort of interior spaces.

Attention to materiality characterizes the "Desert Rose." The project employs Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) for structural elements, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) for walls, and a mix of porcelain and ceramic tiles for flooring and bathrooms. These materials not only contribute to the durability of the building but also ensure thermal efficiency, which is essential in hot desert climates.

Design Considerations in Climate and Culture

The architectural response to climate is a focal point of the "Desert Rose." Strategic placement of windows and the use of Mashrabiya screens facilitate natural ventilation and provide shade, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This approach aligns with sustainable design practices, acknowledging the significance of passive cooling in desert environments.

The integration of green walls and landscaped areas within the property further enhances the connection between built and natural environments. These features not only contribute to the aesthetics but also support biodiversity and promote environmental resilience.

Unique Transformability and Adaptability

One of the standout features of the "Desert Rose" is its emphasis on space transformability. The design allows certain areas of the home to have multiple functions, which is particularly advantageous for urban dwellings where space may be at a premium. This flexibility is evident in spaces that can transition from casual lounges to home theaters, catering to the dynamic needs of the family.

Furthermore, the compact design reduces the building's footprint while maximizing vertical space, showcasing how contemporary architecture can evolve through innovative thinking.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable insights into the structural and aesthetic considerations that shaped the "Desert Rose". Additional architectural ideas illustrated in the project presentation highlight the critical relationship between culture, climate, and modern design principles.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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