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3D-Printed Walls and Xeriscaping Solutions Foster Sustainable Resilience in Residential Design

Authors:
Shiju pareed Neroth ramachanparambath, Barun Kumar Patro , Dhilishath Hassan
3D-Printed Walls and Xeriscaping Solutions Foster Sustainable Resilience in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Employing 3D-printed construction techniques and lush xeriscaping, this residential design creates a climate-responsive environment that effectively integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed construction for efficient material usage and rapid assembly.
02
Incorporates xeriscaping to minimize water consumption in landscaping.
03
Features double-glazed windows to enhance thermal insulation and natural light.
04
Employs a compact massing strategy to reduce heat absorption in a hot climate.
05
Integrates water features for natural cooling and ambiance enhancement.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, "The Self-Made Biome" exemplifies a contemporary residential design that responds to the region's extreme climatic conditions through thoughtful integration with the natural and built environment. The design centers on the concept of a "biome," focusing on sustainability, microclimate management, and a strong connection to nature. By addressing the challenges of heat and aridity, the project aims to create comfortable living spaces that promote well-being and social interaction among occupants.

### Spatial Organization and Energy Efficiency
The building employs a "fused massing" approach, which enhances thermal comfort by reducing heat absorption. Its compact form fosters relationships among various living areas, encouraging social dynamics while maintaining personal privacy. Thoughtful orientation maximizes natural light and airflow, incorporating passive design strategies that minimize heat gain. Key features include large glazing on the northeast facade to facilitate daylight penetration and cross-ventilation, and an arrangement of formal and informal gathering spaces that cater to diverse family activities.

### Sustainable Material Selection
The material choices in this project reinforce its commitment to sustainability. Water features are integrated throughout the landscaping to provide natural cooling and enhance thermal regulation. The use of drought-resistant xerophytes minimizes water consumption while enriching the aesthetic value of the exterior. Double-glazed windows enhance thermal insulation and mitigate excessive sunlight, contributing to indoor comfort. A green roofing system, equipped with a sprinkler irrigation setup, maintains vegetation, while 3D-printed construction materials optimize insulation and combine modern technology with traditional building practices.

Overall, "The Self-Made Biome" demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of environmental responsiveness, emphasizing energy efficiency and user experience within a contemporary residential framework.

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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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