The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation and the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment has announced the launch of the ‘House of the Future’ competition that invites architects and designers from around the world to design a highly-affordable, expandable, innovative and aesthetically-pleasing house suited to modern Emirati needs. 

 

As per the contest rules, the cost of building the house should not exceed the housing mortgage value of AED1 million ($272,259).

 

The contest will see the architects and designers come up with mock-ups of smart houses that will stand the test of time and meet the requirements of future generations, reported Wam. 

 

The competition aims to generate unique designs that will enhance Dubai’s profile as a global architectural trendsetter. The jury of the competition is looking for innovative designs that can refresh current housing offerings for citizens in Dubai, bringing them more up-to-date with the architectural aesthetic of the country and its people. The competition is open to submissions from April 25 until September end.

 

On the competition, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the emirate’s sustained urban development, the high quality of its infrastructure and its ability to create iconic buildings have made it one of the world’s best cities to live in. 

 

"The ‘House of the Future’ competition is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further raise Dubai’s status as a model for urban development," he stated.

 

According to him, the winners will be announced at an award ceremony to be held in November where the top prize will fetch AED500,000 followed by the runner-up who will walsk away with AED200,000 and second runner-up with AED100,000. 

 

"The competition will also award AED200,000 to the best design for a ‘self-sustaining house’ that is able to go off the grid, without water or electricity for two consecutive weeks," he added. 

 

The House of the Future competition has a detailed set of criteria covering innovation, modern smart design, ability to meet the requirements of Emirati families, cost effectiveness and liveability.

 

The international partners behind the contest include Zaha Hadid Architects, Santiago Calatrava – Architects & Engineers, and Buildner, said the Wam report.

 

Members of the competition’s jury include: Abdulredha Abu Alhassan, Executive Director for Rail Planning and Projects Development Department at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority; Ahmed Bukhash, Chief Architect & Founder of ARCHIDENTITY; Charles Walker, Board Member of Zaha Hadid Architects; and Micael Calatrava, CEO of Calatrava International, it added.