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Thermal Comfort Through Locally Sourced Sandstone and Lattice Screens in Modern Residential Living

Authors:
Jari Eerik Lonka, Anniina Elina Kontoniemi
Thermal Comfort Through Locally Sourced Sandstone and Lattice Screens in Modern Residential Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating intricate lattice screens and locally sourced sandstone, this residence emphasizes thermal comfort and flexible space usage for modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard functions as a Sahn, promoting family interaction and outdoor living.
02
Lattice screens provide privacy while allowing controlled natural light throughout the interior.
03
Incorporates fiber-reinforced concrete for structural resilience in an extreme climate.
04
Modular space configurations adapt to changing family dynamics and needs.
05
Uses locally sourced sandstone to enhance thermal comfort and connect to regional heritage.

Qalb al-Bayt is a residential architectural project located in Dubai. The design integrates cultural elements with modern living requirements, creating a space that emphasizes family interaction and individual comfort. The concept revolves around a central courtyard, or Sahn, which serves as the heart of the home, enabling both privacy and communal experiences.

The project aims to address contemporary family dynamics while respecting traditional values. It offers adaptable spaces that can evolve according to the changing needs of its inhabitants. The use of locally sourced materials further connects the residence to its geographical context, reinforcing a sense of place and heritage.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining features of Qalb al-Bayt is its flexible spatial arrangement. The architecture enables various configurations that can easily accommodate different family sizes and usage patterns, promoting multifunctionality in living areas.

The façade employs intricate lattice screens, introducing a combination of aesthetic value and functional performance. These elements provide privacy while diffusing sunlight, improving thermal comfort within the interior spaces. The façade design enhances visual engagement with the outdoors, cultivating a strong relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Additionally, the inclusion of a swimming pool well-integrated into the site plan serves both recreational and climatic purposes, offering a cooling element in a hot climate. This feature complements the Sahn, enhancing the overall functionality and livability of the residence.

Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity

The design emphasizes seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Living areas are strategically oriented to open directly onto the Sahn, creating a fluid connection that promotes family engagement and shared activities. This open relationship extends to the private quarters, which are placed on the upper level for enhanced privacy.

Generous window glazing plays a crucial role in enhancing natural light across the residence. By reducing reliance on artificial lighting, the design contributes to energy efficiency while ensuring that interior spaces are bright and inviting.

Qalb al-Bayt showcases a thoughtful selection of materials, including locally sourced sandstone and fiber-reinforced concrete. These materials were chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their performance characteristics in extreme climates, ensuring durability and comfort throughout the year.

For further insights into the technical aspects of Qalb al-Bayt, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the complete presentation of the project. The details provide a comprehensive understanding of its design philosophy and functionality, revealing how the project successfully marries tradition with modern living solutions.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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