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Thermal Mass Concrete and Natural Stone Enclosure Enhancing Community Connectivity in Urban Living

Authors:
Jyotindra Nikam, Om Kadam, Gourav Singha Roy, Aditi Pawar, Gaurav Kate
Thermal Mass Concrete and Natural Stone Enclosure Enhancing Community Connectivity in Urban Living

Project in-detail

The use of thermal mass concrete and a cohesive natural stone enclosure fosters a cooler indoor environment while eliminating traditional setbacks, creating integrated living spaces that enhance community interaction in an urban residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elimination of setbacks creates an integrated urban community layout.
02
Cohesive natural stone enclosure enhances thermal performance.
03
Multiple courtyards promote natural cross-ventilation throughout the space.
04
Incorporation of Barjeel towers for efficient air circulation.
05
Design merges modern techniques with traditional Islamic architectural elements.
The architectural design project "Back to the Future" reinterprets residential living within the specific climatic context of Dubai. The project integrates innovative design strategies aimed at enhancing community interaction while addressing the environmental challenges typical of hot urban climates. Elimination of setbacks and the introduction of a cohesive compound wall characterize the project's design framework, fostering a collective lifestyle and reducing heat exposure.

The project utilizes a conceptual framework based on architectural morphing, allowing for dynamic responses to environmental conditions, thereby enhancing efficiency. This approach seeks to create an interconnected living space designed to optimize natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and promote thermal comfort through strategic layout and material choices.

Innovative Use of Space and Thermal Regulation

The design stands out for its elimination of traditional setbacks, which traditionally separate individual residential units. This approach leads to an integrated urban fabric, encouraging social interaction among residents. Central to the design is the cohese compound wall, which functions as a barrier against direct sunlight while leveraging thermal mass to maintain cooler indoor conditions. The integration of multiple smaller courtyards throughout the project facilitates natural cross-ventilation, creating a comfortable microclimate that enhances the living experience.

The project's layout incorporates various functional zones within the residential units, including a basement designated for utilities and separate servant quarters. The ground floor contains communal living spaces, while the first floor offers privacy, optimizing living arrangements without sacrificing community connection. This spatial organization capitalizes on verticality, allowing light and air to penetrate through the structure while maintaining openness and continuity of movement between levels.

Materials and Aesthetic Considerations

Materiality plays a significant role in the success of the project. The choice of concrete as the primary construction material supports thermal regulation, minimizing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems. Reflective glass is strategically employed to manage light ingress, while natural stone is utilized for its aesthetic and contextual alignment with local architectural traditions. These materials are selected not only for their performance characteristics but also to pay homage to traditional architectural elements, such as arches and mashrabiyas, which contribute to a culturally resonant design.

Overall, the project’s design embraces a contemporary language while being firmly rooted in its cultural context. Its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and architectural integrity marks it as a notable addition to the current landscape of residential architecture in Dubai.

Explore the project presentation for comprehensive insights into architectural plans, sections, and designs that further illustrate the innovative ideas at play within "Back to the Future." Gaining deeper knowledge of the design elements will enhance your understanding of how this project addresses modern residential needs within a challenging environment.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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