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3d Printed Modular Homes with Radiant Cooling and Porous Facades for Emirati Living

Author:
Ying Lim
3d Printed Modular Homes with Radiant Cooling and Porous Facades for Emirati Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D printed construction and radiant cooling systems, this modular housing solution integrates porous facades to create adaptable living spaces that cater to the needs of Emirati families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be easily expanded both vertically and horizontally to adapt to family growth.
02
Porous facades promote natural ventilation and passive cooling, enhancing energy efficiency.
03
3D printing technology is utilized in construction to minimize material waste and reduce costs.
04
The design includes a dedicated Mājil, reflecting the cultural significance of hospitality in Emirati life.
05
Radiant cooling systems are integrated into the ceiling to optimize thermal comfort with reduced energy consumption.

### Overview
The Build-A-House initiative is situated in the United Arab Emirates and focuses on a modular housing concept tailored to Emirati culture. The design integrates elements of customization and sustainability while respecting traditional values. The project aims to accommodate modern living needs alongside the cultural context of the region.

### Spatial Strategy
The modular framework of Build-A-House enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the living spaces. Each housing unit is designed to facilitate community interaction while ensuring privacy, reflecting the social dynamics of Emirati lifestyles. The layout distinctly separates public areas from private spaces, prioritizing the Mājil—a central gathering space—at the forefront to encourage social engagement. Flexible features such as sliding partitions allow residents to modify their spaces according to personal preferences and family requirements.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs sustainable and innovative construction techniques to minimize waste. Recycled concrete is utilized in the 3D printing of the modular units, effectively reducing the carbon footprint. The porous façade enhances passive cooling and ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency. Radiant cooling panels and evaporative cooling systems are integrated to optimize temperature regulation, while high-performance insulation materials ensure efficient thermal management within the homes. Furthermore, the inclusion of chilled water tanks supports sustainable cooling and water recycling, and landscaping with heat-absorbing plants enhances the microclimate around the units.

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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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