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Terracotta Cladding and Natural Ventilation in Modular Residential Units

Author:
Dyako Hiwa Barznji
Terracotta Cladding and Natural Ventilation in Modular Residential Units

Project in-detail

Integrating terracotta cladding with a modular design approach, this residential development emphasizes natural ventilation and cultural heritage to create adaptable living spaces for families in Dubai's challenging climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration and relocation to suit changing family needs.
02
Terracotta cladding enhances thermal regulation while reflecting local architectural traditions.
03
Natural ventilation systems are integrated to optimize airflow and reduce energy consumption.
04
The design incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for privacy and light control.
05
Interlocking construction methods facilitate rapid assembly and reduced material waste.

## Project Overview

Future Beit-Al-Shar is a modular residential design situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project aims to integrate elements of traditional architecture with modern solutions, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region while addressing the demands of sustainability, flexibility, and adaptability. By responding to the challenging desert climate, the design seeks to provide comfortable living spaces that resonate with both cultural significance and contemporary architectural trends.

## Modular Design and Flexibility

The project's architecture is based on a modular design strategy that facilitates easy assembly and disassembly. Prefabricated components offer adaptability to various family needs, promoting efficient space utilization and reducing construction waste. This approach is aligned with sustainable building practices, allowing the home to evolve as the occupants' requirements change.

The layout emphasizes flexibility, with configurable walls that enable homeowners to modify both courtyard and garden arrangements as per personal preferences and environmental conditions. Such an incremental design approach accommodates diverse lifestyles and family structures over time.

## Sustainability Focus and Material Variation

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, emphasizing natural ventilation and energy efficiency. Use of local materials minimizes environmental impact while ensuring comfort during extreme heat conditions. The construction incorporates multiple materials, including:

- **Stone**: Providing durability and resonance with local architectural styles.
- **Terracotta**: Enhancing thermal regulation to improve building efficiency.
- **Wood**: Bridging indoor and outdoor spaces and fostering a connection with nature.
- **Ventilated Bricks**: Supporting passive cooling strategies through natural ventilation.

Innovative construction systems, such as a building block system that enables interlocking assembly without mortar, enhance both ease of modification and relocation. Additionally, the implementation of self-shading ventilated cladding and strategically placed mechanical fans addresses thermal comfort while reinforcing passive cooling methods.

## Spatial Design and User Experience

The interior layout supports communal living while ensuring privacy through intentional arrangement of spaces. Key areas such as kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms are thoughtfully designed for both functionality and comfort. Ground and first-floor plans facilitate a logical flow of movement, promoting familial interactions while preserving individual privacy.

The dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor environments is further enriched by large windows that invite natural light and shaded areas that provide comfort during peak heat. The integration of plant life within outdoor and possibly interior spaces reflects a commitment to harmonizing residential living with nature, contributing to an enhanced quality of life within the dwelling.

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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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