Sector
Residential
Location
UAE, All Emirates
Climate
Desert
Design Team
Timothy Cope, Lead Architect
3D Illustrations
Vadym Bystriker
Emirati architecture reflects the traditional lifestyles and customs of the people. The Emirati people shape the buildings and in turn the buildings shape the people. The challenge of this project focused on balancing the tradition and culture, honed over a millennia, with the fast and changing needs of contemporary living and the future needs and requisite flexibility.
The UAE Government, in collaboration with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, provided the opportunity for Equinox Architecture to provide a concept design to update and revolutionize the way in which the UAE government offers housing to its citizens.
This innovative house design redefines government housing for Emiratis across the UAE. It balances tradition with modern needs while addressing land efficiency, quality, maintenance, affordability, functionality, technology, and sustainability. Focused on future adaptability, following a triple bottom line model, creating sustainable communities, driving ecological responsible outcomes, and underpinning financial viability.
The concept for the design responds to this challenge set around the context of an oasis in the desert with integrated flexibility, technology and sustainability at its core. It speaks to the contrasting elements of a desert oasis set within the harshness of the external desert environment. The design is based on a framework of modular forms which can accommodate a range of configurations and expansion options, further enhanced by the inclusion of flexible internal partition walls providing residents with bespoke configurations to meet their own personal and changing needs.
The approach is place and context led. The design is focused on future flexibility, technology and sustainability. Modular forms provide various configurations to cater for changing spatial needs and expansions, further supported by flexible internal partition walls which enable customizable living spaces for the resident’s changing during the life of the asset.
The design balances Emirati tradition with modernity, using Arabic aesthetics to align with the region’s climate and culture. A modular urban framework ensures efficient land use and associated infrastructure cost savings. The semi-attached layout of the house allows open access to three sides, providing a sense of openness and individuality with access to surrounding green vegetated views, while enhancing ventilation. Privacy is balanced with internally facing windows and openings into a central courtyard with trees and water features while high walls, mashrabiya screens, and geometric patterns maintain cultural and climatic harmony.
This innovative design reflects the architectural essence of the UAE while meeting functional modern needs. It offers a fresh take on the Emirati home, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Inspired by an oasis, it provides shelter from the harsh climate, creating a tranquil and comfortable refuge. The design addresses key challenges, including land availability, infrastructure costs, and sustainability goals, while ensuring it meets the evolving needs of Emirati citizens.
PLAN - GF
1. Entry Garden
2. Entry
3. Entry Foyer
4. Double Car Port
5. External Driver's Quarters
6. Washroom
7. Storage
8. Formal Lounge (void above)
9. Dining
10. Kitchen (formal)
11. Garden
12. Kitchen (working)
13. Laundry
14. Maid's Quarters
15. Stairs
16. Informal Study zone
17. Courtyard
18. Majlis
19. External Prayer space
15
18
14
19
13
17
16
12
11
8
9
10
5
6
3
2
7
4
1
1
PLAN - L1
1. Master Bedroom Suite
2. Ensuite
3. Bedroom 2
4. Bedroom 3
5. Ensuite
6. Central Bathroom
7. Informal Lounge (mezzanine)
8. Study (mezzanine)
9. Void over Formal Lounge
10. Stairs
11. GF Roof (future expansion)
12. Bedroom 4
13. Walkway to office
14. Void over Majlis
15. Office
11
8
9
10
5
6
3
2
7
4
