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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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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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