House Of The Future Competition Invites Global Architects To Design Innovative Homes In UAE

Under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the second edition of the 'House of the Future' competition has been launched. This initiative, organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, invites global architects and designers to create affordable, adaptable homes. The construction cost should not exceed AED 800,000.

The competition encourages designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and adaptable to various UAE landscapes. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation will oversee the competition's execution with local and international partners. Meanwhile, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme will implement selected designs in future projects, providing technical support.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE government's commitment to urban development through initiatives like this competition. He noted that it supports innovators in transforming ideas into projects that enhance urban landscapes. The collaboration aims to create inclusive and sustainable environments.

Omar Sultan Al Olama emphasised that this competition aligns with the UAE's vision to foster talent and innovation. It seeks creative solutions that positively impact society while promoting sustainable urban design and infrastructure to improve quality of life.

The 'House of the Future' competition is now in its second year, organised with Buildner. It sets standards for designs to respect UAE cultural heritage, withstand environmental changes, use sustainable materials, include at least three bedrooms, and remain within an AED 800,000 budget.

The winner will receive AED 500,000; the runner-up gets AED 200,000; and the second runner-up receives AED 100,000. A special prize of AED 200,000 will be awarded for innovative use of sustainable materials.

Jury Members and Previous Success

The jury includes notable figures such as Charles Walker from Zaha Hadid Architects and Micael Calatrava from Calatrava International LLC. Other members are Ahmed Bukhash from ARCHIDENTITY, Will Plowman from Foster + Partners, Ben van Berkel from UNStudio, Alison Brooks from Alison Brooks Architects, and Bertrand Schippan from MVRDV.

The first edition attracted significant global interest with 3,500 ideas from 140 countries. This response highlights the importance of developing urban design solutions prioritising innovation and sustainability.

The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme will showcase winning designs on its Darek platform for citizens wishing to build their homes. This offers substantial savings in cost and time while promoting sustainable living solutions for UAE citizens.

Submissions are open until 6th March 2025 at https://houseofthefuture.ae and https://architecturecompetitions.com/houseofthefuture2. The initiative inspires architects worldwide to explore forward-thinking designs reflecting modern Emirati living while focusing on eco-friendly housing integrated with nature.

With inputs from WAM