Dubai Announces Winners of Global House of the Future 2.0 Contest

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai – The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) has announced the winners of the House of the Future 2.0 Global Competition, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This announcement was made during an exhibition at Emirates Towers Boulevard, where winning projects from two iterations of the competition are being displayed for two months.

The exhibition presents groundbreaking architectural concepts for sustainable housing, illustrating the UAE’s commitment to smart, future-oriented urban designs that prioritize sustainability and well-being.

Competition Winners

The second cycle of the competition, in collaboration with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, highlighted exceptional designs for smart and sustainable housing solutions:

• 1st Place: House of Courts (Germany) – Harmonizes traditional UAE architecture with modern sustainable innovations.

• 2nd Place: Modular (UK) – Features a versatile modular home design that fits future urban landscapes.

• 3rd Place: FlexiCourts (China) – Maximizes natural light and airflow to enhance energy efficiency.

• Innovation Awards: Local House (UK) and Regenerative Vernacular (Canada) – Highlight cultural richness, environmental sustainability, and 3D-printed low-emission construction.

Key Remarks

HE Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, characterized the competition as a significant step in crafting a holistic Emirati model for future housing, emphasizing balance between efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. He underscored the essential collaboration between MBRCGI and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme in cultivating innovative housing solutions that align with the UAE’s smart city aspirations.

HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the contest as a crucial platform for global innovation in sustainable architecture, urging designers around the globe to engage in future housing solutions.

Global Involvement and Awards

The competition garnered over 5,000 entries from 140 nations. A total prize of AED 1 million was awarded, with AED 500,000 for first place, AED 200,000 for second, AED 100,000 for third place, and AED 200,000 allocated for the Innovation Award category. An international panel of renowned architects assessed the submissions based on architectural excellence, sustainability, adaptability, and speed of implementation.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition allows the public to explore innovative future city housing models, showcasing designs that combine expansion capabilities and sustainable living options, all within a budget of AED 800,000. This display reinforces the UAE’s position as a leader in global innovative housing solutions and demonstrates real-world applicability for future housing endeavors.