The competition invites architects and designers to submit proposals for a groundbreaking, innovative house that can be built anywhere in the Persian Gulf region.
Organized by Buildner, with support from the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, the contest aims to discover a housing concept valued at £170,000 (800,000 AED) that will be added to the housing options available to Emirati citizens for their future homes.
This call for proposals follows the success of Buildner’s first House of the Future competition held two years ago, which was won by a Lebanese team consisting of Mohamed Al Mufti, Souaid Georges, and Natalie Elmir. Their design incorporated traditional wind catchers, water basins, compact volumes, and thoughtful material choices.
The brief states: ‘As the second competition in the series, following the success of the first House of the Future 2023/24, we continue to explore future living spaces for Emirati citizens in the UAE. This year, in collaboration with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, we aim to discover innovative designs that reflect the architectural aesthetic of the UAE while meeting the functional needs of its residents. We seek visionary concepts that provide a modern interpretation of the Emirati home, harmonizing tradition with contemporary elements.’
Dubai, the UAE’s most populous city, became the first city in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia to host a world expo in 2022. The House of the Future contest arrives five years after London-based IJP Architects, in collaboration with engineer AKT II, won a competition to design a 230m-long footbridge in Dubai.
This latest competition calls for designs for a new home of 300m² suitable for four to six inhabitants, which can be constructed anywhere in Dubai. Submissions should emphasize quality, sustainability, flexibility, rapid construction, and cost-effectiveness.
The judging panel will include Andrew Mason, director of contracts at Calatrava International; Charles Walker, director at Zaha Hadid Architects; Alison Brooks, founder of Alison Brooks Architects; Will Plowman, partner at Foster + Partners; and Sumaya Dabbagh, founder of Dabbagh Architects.
The winner, to be announced on 15 July, will receive a top prize of €140,000 and have their project advanced to construction. Additionally, a second prize of €45,000 and a third prize of €20,000 will be awarded, along with a special innovation award worth €45,000.
Competition details
- Project title House of the Future 2
- Client Dubai Government
- Contract value €250,000
- First round deadline 30 April 2025
- Restrictions Registration fee is €210 for professionals and €190 for students
- More information: https://architecturecompetitions.com/houseofthefuture2/
 | Architect’s Journal Source: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/competitions/house-of-the-future-2-dubai Up to the minute architecture news, including building reviews, insight on running a successful practice and the latest architectural competitions. |
