Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Textured Concrete And Stone-Carved Jali Integrate Within A Sustainable Desert Family Home

Authors:
Shaikh Asjad Ahmed, Abhijit Prasanth
Textured Concrete And Stone-Carved Jali Integrate Within A Sustainable Desert Family Home

Project in-detail

Combining textured concrete with intricately designed stone-carved Jali screens, the residence seamlessly integrates passive cooling techniques within a sustainable family home in a desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional stone-carved Jali screens for natural light and privacy.
02
Features a windcatcher for passive cooling, enhancing thermal comfort.
03
Uses textured concrete for exterior durability and environmental integration.
04
Includes communal outdoor Majlis, promoting social interaction.
05
Designed with solar panels to support energy efficiency and sustainability.

### Overview
Located in a desert setting, the architectural design incorporates traditional Emirati elements alongside contemporary aesthetics to create a family-oriented residence. The intent is to evoke comfort and tranquility while respecting the cultural heritage of Dubai. The design approach ensures a lasting architectural narrative that resonates with the emotions and memories associated with home.

### Spatial Organization
The intentional layout segregates private and semi-private spaces to enhance usability. The ground floor includes a Majlis, serving as a formal living area that fosters social interaction, alongside a service block that houses essential utility spaces such as the kitchen and pantry, maintaining privacy for residents. The first floor comprises private quarters, including a master bedroom and additional bedrooms, each designed to provide comfort and a sense of serenity. Visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas emphasizes open, inviting living environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is pivotal in achieving both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Textured concrete is utilized for the exterior, providing durability and a tactile experience. Stone-carved jali screens facilitate privacy while enhancing natural light penetration. Sandstone breeze blocks offer aesthetic richness through intricate patterns, while bronze framing contributes both support and a modern touch to the traditional design. The interior features polished marble flooring for a refined atmosphere, complemented by fabric shades that provide necessary protection from the desert sun. The incorporation of sustainable elements, such as solar panels, aligns with modern environmental considerations, underscoring a commitment to resource-conscious living.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy