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Volcanic Ash Masonry and Louvered Shading in a Contemporary Family Home

Author:
Marwan Flamiano Tuttuh
Volcanic Ash Masonry and Louvered Shading in a Contemporary Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing volcanic ash masonry and strategically placed louvered screens, the design enhances thermal efficiency while fostering communal spaces within a contemporary family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Volcanic ash masonry provides superior thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
02
Louvered shading devices optimize natural light while reducing heat gain.
03
A semi-enclosed courtyard enhances privacy and encourages social interaction.
04
Custom-made wooden panels feature traditional patterns, linking heritage to modernity.
05
Vertical expansion accommodates future family needs without disrupting design integrity.

### Overview
Wesal House, situated in Dubai, is a contemporary residential design that integrates traditional Emirati cultural elements with modern living standards. The project aims to respect local traditions while addressing the unique climatic conditions of the region. It features a layout that promotes social interaction and privacy, casting a spotlight on the important role of hospitality in Emirati culture.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural arrangement of Wesal House is organized across multiple levels to enhance accessibility and user experience. The ground floor includes a foyer, guest facilities such as a Majlis, and an expansive kitchen and dining area designed for social gatherings, anchored by a semi-enclosed courtyard that fosters light and recreational use. The first floor consists of private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms to ensure comfort, while utility spaces are intentionally positioned to mitigate noise disruption. The second floor can accommodate additional living units, supporting adaptability to changing family needs and lifestyles.

### Climatic Adaptation and Materiality
Addressing the challenges posed by Dubai's high temperatures, the house's orientation and design mitigate heat gain while maximizing natural light. Glazed surfaces are strategically placed and complemented by external louvered screens to enhance thermal comfort. Volcanic ash Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) are employed for their superior insulation properties, while wood, glass, plaster, and porcelain tiles are selected for their aesthetic appeal and durability. This careful selection of materials not only aligns with traditional aesthetics but also contributes to the building's overall sustainability and energy efficiency.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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