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Vegetal Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Modern Dubai Villa Design

Author:
FranÇols Pierre Friou
Vegetal Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Modern Dubai Villa Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating mineral and vegetal cladding alongside expansive glazing, this villa in Dubai emphasizes sustainability and environmental integration while serving as a modern family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green wall on the northern facade to enhance thermal performance.
02
Utilizes photovoltaic films on the roof for energy efficiency.
03
Features a flexible layout to adapt to changing family needs.
04
Integrates natural elements through a landscaped setting with native plants.
05
Employs a modular facade design allowing customizable exterior aesthetics.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the villa is a contemporary residential design that emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic cohesion with the surrounding environment. The project adheres to local construction regulations while focusing on creating adaptable living spaces that evolve with the changing needs of its inhabitants. This approach ensures that the home maintains relevance in a rapidly transforming urban context.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Layout
The villa is structured across three levels: a basement, ground floor, and first floor, thoughtfully arranged to optimize the site’s characteristics. The **basement** accommodates utility spaces, including a maid's room, laundry, and storage, effectively separating these functional areas from the primary living spaces above. The **ground floor** features an open layout with interconnected kitchen, dining, and living areas, all accessible from a central entrance designed to facilitate social interaction. To discreetly maintain functionality, a separate annex for staff access is positioned away from the main entrance. The **first floor** serves as a private retreat, comprising multiple bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies that extend the living spaces outdoors.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
The selection of materials reflects both durability and ecological mindfulness. The use of **mineral and vegetal cladding** not only enhances thermal performance but also contributes to sustainable design principles. **Brick** walls provide an appealing texture while ensuring structural integrity, and **stone cladding** references traditional architectural elements prevalent in the region. Resilient **teak wood** is employed in areas vulnerable to termite activity, ensuring longevity. To enhance energy efficiency, **photovoltaic films** are incorporated into the roof, while extensive use of **glass** in windows and balcony railings promotes abundant natural light and expansive views.

### Integration with Landscape
The villa’s design promotes a strong connection with its landscape, featuring facades that include shaded protrusions to mitigate heat and strategically placed openings for natural illumination. The northern facade is enhanced by a green wall that reflects the topography of Downtown Dubai, while the southern facade prioritizes functional shading. The surrounding landscape includes diverse green spaces, such as an English courtyard and terraced areas, fostering a serene environment for relaxation and leisure activities. A swimming pool further enhances the outdoor experience, integrating seamlessly with the overall design.

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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
competition now

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