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Terracotta Facades and Natural Stone Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Muhamad Abdulqadir Naqshbandi, Nour Ali El-souri
Terracotta Facades and Natural Stone Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Integrating terracotta facades and natural stone within its structure, this residential design emphasizes sustainability through passive techniques and communal living spaces tailored for family engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates locally sourced terracotta for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features natural stone accents that blend with the surrounding landscape.
03
Employs greywater recycling systems to promote water efficiency.
04
Incorporates cross-ventilation techniques to optimize indoor air quality.
05
Design includes versatile communal areas that support family interactions.
Habitat Emirati is a residential architectural project designed to address the specific needs of families in the United Arab Emirates by harmonizing traditional Emirati influences with modern architectural trends. The project aims to enhance the quality of living for residents while safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting sustainability. It represents a thoughtful response to the socio-cultural and climatic conditions of the region, demonstrating an understanding of local building practices and contemporary lifestyle requirements.

Key functional elements of Habitat Emirati include communal spaces that foster social interaction and private areas tailored for family life. The design prioritizes comfort and accessibility, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The integration of natural light and ventilation are central to the architectural strategy, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

Design and Material Innovation

One of the distinct aspects of Habitat Emirati is its innovative approach to material selection. The project incorporates locally sourced materials such as terracotta, natural stone, and concrete, which are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their thermal and energy-efficient qualities. These materials work together to create a structure that responds effectively to the UAE's extreme climate conditions.

In addition to the material choices, the building's form showcases a blend of traditional and contemporary architectural elements. Dynamic rooflines and shading devices exemplify a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati architectural features, allowing for optimal solar shading and ventilation. The use of clerestory windows enhances natural light infiltration while maintaining privacy.

Sustainability and Community Integration

A significant component of the Habitat Emirati design is its commitment to sustainability. Passive design techniques are employed to reduce energy consumption, fostering a living environment that prioritizes resource efficiency. The use of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling integrates renewable practices into everyday living, aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Moreover, the design is oriented around community living. The layout encourages interactions among residents, creating spaces for gatherings while providing private sanctuaries. This dual approach caters to social needs and individual comforts, reinforcing community bonds.

For more details, including a detailed exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of Habitat Emirati. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural framework and underlying principles guiding this innovative project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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