Project Name :
Al Rubaei
House of the Future
Location:
United Arab Emirates
Category :
Residential
Status :
Competition
Area :
300 m2
Year :
2023
Inspired by Dubai traditional courtyard buildings, the house focuses on incorporating greenery as a central element. By drawing inspiration from the past, the building aims to fuse modern living with cultural heritage, creating a unique and harmonious environment.
The initial boundaries of the building are defined by a 3D printed wall, with party walls along two sides. The use of innovative 3D printing technology with clay based, recyclable materials allows to model our version of a windcatcher (Barjeel) within the walls without the use of extra materials. This approach ensures that the project aligns with environmentally friendly principles and promotes sustainable living.
Based on a 1.2 x 1.2 m grid module system, this housing project offers a flexible living space. The modules can be selected and arranged according to the specific needs of the inhabitants, providing a customizable and adaptable living environment. The versatility of the modules allows for a variety of uses, catering to the diverse lifestyles and preferences of the residents.
In homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region, traditional patterns are integrated into the design. These patterns not only serve as a reminder of the cultural legacy but also add another layer of individuality to the dwelling. Moreover, they offer shade to the interior spaces, creating a comfortable and pleasant living environment.
Recognizing that families change in size and needs over time, this housing project emphasizes adaptability. The ability to replace or add modules on the third floor allows for expansion and customization. This ensures that the building can accommodate changes in the family structure, offering additional bedrooms, activity rooms, or even individual apartments as required.
The project promotes sustainability by encouraging the refurbishment and reuse of older modules. These rejuvenated modules can be repurposed for various needs, effectively extending their lifecycle. For example, small bedroom units can be transformed into emergency accommodation units or service units for emergency medical treatment. Furthermore, modules like kitchens, libraries, or gyms can be opened to the public, serving as amenities that benefit the wider community.
The design utilizes a 1.2 m grid, offering two unit options 4.8 x 4.8m and 4.8 x 6m, allowing for flexible adjustments to accommodate changing family sizes and preferences. For instance, a bedroom unit can be easily swapped for an office, library, or gym unit. These units are prefabricated from sustainable and reusable materials, featuring integrated floor pipes for seamless connection to the ventilation system.
Ground Floor
1st Floor
2nd Floor
2nd Floor extended
1: Entrance 2: Guest Entrance 3: Lobby 4: Dining Area 5: Living Room 6: Coffee / Tea Area 7: Kitchen 8: Majlis 9: Service Room 10: Driver Room
11: Laundry 12: Parking 13: Electricity Room 14: Thermal Storage 15: Cooling Unit 16: Garbage 17: Storage 18: Master Bedroom 19: Bedroom 20: Terrace
Section AA'
Section BB'
An interconnected system of pipes runs through the walls, linking to an exterior thermostat-controlled heat pump unit. This setup allows cold water to flow, aiding in the management of the home's internal temperature.
This wall design leverages the ancient concept of wind catchers in a contemporary, sophisticated manner. Positioned at the wall's pinnacle, openings channel the cool northeast breeze through the wall and into concealed pipes within the floor, ultimately dispersing it into both houses. This approach effectively moderates the internal climate and reduces energy consumption.
A modern interpretation of a solar chimney is seamlessly integrated into the 3D-printed wall, connecting to the main living area's ceiling beam structure. It efficiently extracts hot air from the living space and expels it outside the house.
The design features a mobile roof structure primarily clad in solar panels, producing sufficient energy to sustain the house during the day and over the night through a battery, whilst contributing surplus power to the primary grid.
These techniques, alongside intelligent lighting control, form a cohesive smart system easily adjustable through a user-friendly panel, catering to the resident's preferences and ensuring a pleasant, sustainable, and healthy internal atmosphere.
The design incorporates various shading solutions. A cultural patterned shades in the living room and first floor, protect against overheating while maintaining an open sky ambiance. Additionally, a solar panel-covered movable roof provides shade and cooling for the rooftop, which can be adjusted to accommodate third-floor expansion.
The design utilizes a 1.2 m grid, offering two unit options 4.8 x 4.8m and 4.8 x 6m, allowing for flexible adjustments to accommodate changing family sizes and preferences. For instance, a bedroom unit can be easily swapped for an office, library, or gym unit. These units are prefabricated from sustainable and reusable materials, featuring integrated floor pipes for seamless connection to the ventilation system.
Bird View
Interior View
Interior View
