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3d Printed Concrete and Living Walls Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Desert Environment

Author:
Youngil Kim
3d Printed Concrete and Living Walls Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Desert Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D printed concrete and integrated living walls, this sustainable residence optimizes energy efficiency while fostering community connections in a desert urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed concrete construction minimizes material waste and allows for intricate design details.
02
Living walls integrate native plant species for enhanced biodiversity and natural cooling.
03
Modular space configurations enable adaptable living arrangements for changing family needs.
04
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design, enhancing energy self-sufficiency.
05
Community-focused outdoor areas promote social interaction and strengthen neighborhood ties.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential design prioritizes sustainability and innovative building techniques within a rapidly evolving urban context. The project aims to integrate advanced technology with environmentally responsible practices, enhancing both individual living experiences and the well-being of the community. The framework promotes a symbiotic relationship between inhabitants and their environment, redefining the concept of home as both a shelter and an active contributor to the ecosystem.

## Spatial Configuration
The architectural massing employs simple geometric forms, primarily rectangular shapes, influenced by traditional vernacular architecture. This choice ensures efficient spatial utilization while reflecting the cultural aesthetics inherent to Dubai. Notable is the modular arrangement, enabling flexible internal configurations that adapt to varying programmatic requirements. The design promotes versatility, ensuring optimized usage across diverse living spaces.

## Material Selection
The project's material choices underscore its commitment to sustainability. Key components include:
- **3D Printed Concrete**: This method reduces waste and allows for rapid construction, facilitating complex design elements while maintaining structural integrity.
- **Living Wall Systems**: Incorporating plant life into building facades enhances natural cooling, aesthetics, and biodiversity.
- **Solar Panels**: These are integrated into the design to harness renewable energy, contributing to the project's self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

## Community Integration
The design emphasizes the creation of a cohesive community through shared spaces that promote social interaction among residents. Carefully designed landscaping blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, enhancing communal engagement and responsibility. Outdoor features such as shade structures offer relief from the sun while serving as venues for gatherings. The integration of natural landscaping also supports urban biodiversity and contributes to ecological sustainability within the metropolitan environment of Dubai.

## Functional Elements
The project's use of advanced technologies is fundamental to its innovative approach. Key features include:
- **Modular Construction Techniques**: These enhance customization options and allow for adaptable living spaces that can evolve alongside resident needs.
- **Automated Irrigation Systems**: These systems work in concert with living wall technology, optimizing water usage in a sustainable manner.
- **Energy Generation Systems**: By utilizing solar energy, the design addresses both energy efficiency and the potential for surplus energy contribution to the local grid.

This comprehensive approach highlights the project's dedication to aesthetic appeal, technological integration, and community enhancement while addressing environmental challenges in urban living.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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