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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.

### Overview

Qalb al-Bayt, located in Dubai, aims to encapsulate modern family dynamics within a culturally resonant architectural framework. The design navigates the dual influences of tradition and modernity, producing a living environment that caters to contemporary needs while honoring local heritage. Central to this project is the concept of social interaction balanced with privacy, manifesting through carefully considered spatial arrangements and features.

### Spatial Organization and Flexibility

The heart of Qalb al-Bayt is the Sahn, or courtyard, which serves as a communal space for family activities and personal retreat. This area fosters interaction and emotional connection, providing a versatile environment for gatherings, dining, and contemplation. The architectural layout is designed for adaptability, allowing for flexible configurations that can be altered based on family size or preference. This modularity addresses the evolving nature of modern living, accommodating diverse scenarios while prioritizing comfort and functionality.

### Material Selection and Environmental Responsiveness

The materials employed in Qalb al-Bayt are both contextually relevant and functionally effective. Locally sourced sandstone provides thermal regulation and visual warmth, critical for comfort in the region's climate. Fiber-reinforced concrete enhances structural durability, ensuring the building can withstand environmental stressors. Additionally, strategic window glazing allows natural light to permeate the interiors while reducing heat gain, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing livability.

### Architectural Elements and Connectivity

The design includes distinct architectural features that enhance both aesthetics and spatial connectivity. The facade utilizes patterned lattice screens to balance privacy with natural light, fostering a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the interiors. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is emphasized, particularly on the ground floor, where living areas extend directly to the gardens and Sahn, effectively merging internal and external environments. Various functional areas, including expansive living and dining spaces, private quarters with oriented views, and an integrated swimming pool, contribute to a cohesive and adaptable living experience.

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

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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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