Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Wind Tower Integration and Natural Stone Facades in a Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Abdul Mateen Jamal Mohamad Hussain Ahmad, Rawan Ahmed Hassan Khedr, Rouqaya Yaser Adil Al Almufti
Wind Tower Integration and Natural Stone Facades in a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating a wind tower and natural stone facades, this residence enhances airflow and thermal efficiency while providing a spacious environment for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wind tower enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
Mashrabeya screens provide privacy while allowing light filtration.
03
Green terraces integrate landscape elements with usable outdoor space.
04
SIPS construction promotes energy efficiency and thermal regulation.
05
Double-height living areas create an expansive sense of space.
Villa Riyah is a residential architectural project located on Palm Jumeirah Road, United Arab Emirates. The design integrates elements inspired by Emirati culture, focusing on traditional architecture while incorporating modern techniques aimed at sustainability and functionality. The villa serves as a family home, promoting social interaction while providing private areas for individual retreat.

The main architectural objective of Villa Riyah is to create a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, taking advantage of the local climate while ensuring comfort and privacy for its inhabitants. The design utilizes a U-shaped layout that surrounds a central courtyard, which enhances natural ventilation and light within the space. It employs traditional elements such as wind towers and mashrabeya screens, which respond to cultural context and climate, optimizing airflow and creating shaded areas.

Sustainability is a central theme in Villa Riyah. The integration of structural insulated panels (SIPS) contributes to energy efficiency, while natural materials such as travertine stone and terracotta improve thermal performance and aesthetic continuity. The project also incorporates green terraces and landscape elements, reinforcing biodiversity and enhancing the local ecosystem.

Innovative design approaches distinguish Villa Riyah from typical residential projects. The wind tower serves as a crucial feature for natural ventilation, effectively capturing cooling breezes and maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. This element not only reflects regional architectural heritage but also addresses practical environmental needs. The design places significant emphasis on outdoor living, with spacious terraces connected to key living spaces, encouraging interaction with the natural surroundings.

The layout includes a variety of essential spaces. The ground floor features communal areas such as a kitchen, dining, and living rooms, designed with double-height ceilings to foster openness. The first floor is allocated for private areas, including four bedrooms that share strategic ventilation and access to daylight. The master bedroom on the second floor further promotes privacy while maintaining connections to outdoor greenery.

Villa Riyah’s architectural plans demonstrate careful consideration of space distribution, optimizing both accessibility and functionality. The design integrates architectural sections that highlight the interplay between various spaces, ensuring fluid movement throughout the home. For a deeper understanding of the project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural designs, sections, and ideas presented. Examining these elements will provide further insight into the thought processes behind the design of Villa Riyah, showcasing its unique approach to modern living within the context of Emirati culture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy