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Thermal Mass Utilization with Earth Blocks and Mashrabiya for Family-Centric Living

Authors:
Shanil Riyaz Abdul Azeez, Maria Eapen
Thermal Mass Utilization with Earth Blocks and Mashrabiya for Family-Centric Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing earth blocks for thermal mass and incorporating Mashrabiya for passive cooling, this family-centric residence in Dubai seamlessly combines cultural heritage with sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes earth blocks for enhanced thermal performance in desert climates.
02
Incorporates traditional Mashrabiya for effective passive cooling and privacy.
03
Features modular design elements that allow for future adaptability.
04
Prioritizes communal spaces with integrated courtyards for family interaction.
05
Employs local materials, reducing the ecological footprint of construction.

# Architectural Analysis Report of 'Emiara' Prototype

## Project Overview

The 'Emiara' prototype serves as a distinctive architectural response to the climatic and cultural attributes of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed with an emphasis on sustainability and community-oriented living, the project draws inspiration from Emirati culture, aiming to create a residence that harmonizes with the desert landscape while providing comfort to its inhabitants.

## Design Framework

### Sustainability and Materiality

The design incorporates a commitment to environmental responsibility through the use of local materials, significantly reducing the ecological footprint. Key materials include earth blocks and limestone, which aid in temperature regulation through thermal mass. The architecture integrates passive cooling systems alongside natural ventilation strategies to minimize dependency on mechanical air conditioning. The robust selection of materials not only supports structural integrity but also enhances the aesthetic quality of the residence, fostering an environment that is both functional and inviting.

### Cultural Integration and Spatial Organization

Embracing traditional Emirati architectural elements, the design features courtyards and the Mashrabiya shading system, reinforcing cultural identity while promoting social interaction. The layout is deliberately crafted to enhance family connectivity through open spaces while preserving privacy. Key areas within the home are designed to encourage family engagement, reflecting the project's emphasis on communal living. The flexibility of the architectural form allows for adaptations, ensuring that the space remains relevant to the evolving needs of its occupants over time.

## Architectural Elements

The 'Emiara' prototype includes cascading green spaces that create visual links to nature, contributing to improved indoor air quality and emotional well-being. Central augmented courtyards function as communal gardens, enhancing social engagement among residents. The passive cooling system, inspired by traditional Mashrabiya, effectively facilitates natural airflow while providing shade and thermal comfort. Overall, the design achieves a balance between cultural resonance and modern living needs, establishing a model for future residential developments in arid climates.

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

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Competition organisers

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
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