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Terracotta Privacy Screens and Sustainable Lime Plaster in a Family Dwelling

Authors:
Muhammad Asad Sardar, Syed Mushahid Hussain Shah , Muhammad Omer Ghaffar , Mohammad Hassan Raza Dilawari
Terracotta Privacy Screens and Sustainable Lime Plaster in a Family Dwelling

Project in-detail

Constructed with terracotta privacy screens and Pakka Kali plaster, this family dwelling artfully balances communal and private areas while responding to Dubai's climatic challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terracotta screens provide functional privacy while enhancing air circulation throughout the home.
02
Pakka Kali plaster improves sustainability and environmental performance through carbon absorption.
03
Integrated courtyards foster natural light and facilitate outdoor connections within family spaces.
04
Salt brick construction acts as a natural humidifier, promoting indoor air quality.
05
The central spine design optimizes circulation flow between communal and private areas.

## Overview

The Screen House is situated in Dubai, addressing the challenges of urban density and the region's harsh desert climate. The design prioritizes privacy and connection among family members, creating a living environment that promotes both tranquility and communal interaction. Through a series of well-defined spaces, including courtyards and a central spine, the residence fosters intimate experiences while respecting personal boundaries.

## Spatial Organization

The spatial configuration of the Screen House utilizes a central spine that serves as a primary circulation route, effectively linking various areas of the dwelling. This design feature enhances the distribution of natural light and ventilation, carefully balancing openness with privacy. The ground floor accommodates communal facilities, such as the living and dining areas, while private quarters are arranged on the first floor, oriented toward the courtyards to maintain visual connectivity with nature. The overall massing strategy is designed to facilitate a flow that mirrors natural pathways, integrating both public and private spaces.

## Material and Environmental Strategy

The choice of materials in the Screen House reflects a commitment to sustainability and cultural context. Elements such as Pakka Kali, a traditional lime plaster, not only contribute to visual appeal but also support environmental goals by sequestering carbon. The terracotta screens, inspired by traditional Arabic air-catching designs, are paired with salt bricks to regulate humidity and improve indoor air quality. Chandan wood adds warmth to the interior, complementing the cooler materials used throughout the structure. The innovative use of these materials enhances the sustainability performance of the residence while paying homage to regional architectural practices.

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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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