An architectural pavilion made of cement-free, low-carbon binder.

STOOT showcased the future of sustainable construction materials. Invited by Prototypes for Humanity to showcase at Dubai Design Week, Oxara presented its cement-free, low-carbon binder—an innovative material poised to redefine residential housing in Dubai and the UAE.

The STOOT Pavilion brought life to this sustainable and circular binder, a replacement for conventional cement, made possible by maximizing the use of mineral construction waste and by-products through intelligent waste assessment processes with innovative activation techniques. The installation explored the possibilities of Oxara’s binder through simple yet elegant forms and architectural expressions, complemented by an innovative engineering and construction approach. Furthermore, the installation challenged our dependence on conventional concrete as the foundation of modern development and posed three questions: a) the unnecessary amount of concrete used today, leading to climate catastrophe and scarcity of primary resources; b) urban mining or waste as a resource for the future; and c) where and how to best use conventional versus sustainable concrete in future buildings.

The two pillars, bridged by benches, symbolized the strength of the material and the transition from modern to future Dubai—a path toward decarbonization and circularity that maintained the aesthetic, performance, and durability of building materials. STOOT, designed by MULA Design Studio, drew inspiration from the material experimentation and design consciousness that shaped modernist architecture. Through a deep understanding of materials, this design opened doors to clever, sustainable architecture.

This experimental piece provided a glimpse into the transformation from waste sources to building products.


Partners:
Prototypes for Humanity, Website

In Collaboration with
Abdalla Almulla from MULA Design Studio, known for his creative and eco-friendly design approaches, Website
Julien Chabanne and Oxara's vision for a more environmentally friendly future in construction, blending material sustainability and design, Website