Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Adaptive Facade and Sustainable Materials Define a Circular Family Residence

Author:
Stifani Machmouchi
Adaptive Facade and Sustainable Materials Define a Circular Family Residence

Project in-detail

An adaptive façade system coupled with aluminum composite and sustainable materials creates a versatile circular residence that prioritizes family-oriented living while maximizing energy efficiency and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular layout enhances spatial adaptability for various family activities.
02
An adaptive façade system optimizes sunlight exposure and shading throughout the day.
03
Aluminum composite panels provide durability while reducing maintenance needs.
04
Integrated water management systems automatically adjust based on weather conditions.
05
Privacy is achieved through strategic site planning and limited sightlines.

### Overview
Located in the UAE, the design of the House of the Future reflects a commitment to cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and technological innovation in residential architecture. The intention is to create a living space that resonates with local heritage while addressing contemporary residential challenges. The central design element is a circular structure with a 15-meter diameter, inspired by traditional Arabic architectural forms, which fosters fluid movement and adaptability between interior and exterior spaces.

### Spatial Organization
The floor plan facilitates a family-oriented environment through its circular layout, allowing for versatile configurations that can accommodate various activities. The ground floor serves as a communal area, featuring living spaces and family-oriented facilities, while the first floor focuses on privacy, with bedrooms organized around a central core. Vertical circulation elements are integrated to enhance accessibility throughout the house, ensuring efficient flow between spaces.

### Material Selection
The materials chosen for construction emphasize both modern technology and local sensibilities. Aluminum composite panels are utilized for the façade to withstand the UAE’s climatic conditions, while tensile solar screens regulate light entry and enhance aesthetic qualities. An organic photovoltaic layer enables effective solar energy harnessing, contributing to the building’s energy self-sufficiency. Concrete provides structural stability, essential for the regional environment, ensuring both durability and strength.

### Innovative Features
The design incorporates a range of unique elements aimed at enhancing user experience and environmental sustainability. An adaptive façade system adjusts to changing environmental conditions, optimizing sunlight exposure and providing shade as needed. Additionally, an automated water management system utilizes weather data to maintain the microclimate around the home, promoting efficient resource use. Consideration for privacy is evident in the layout, which minimizes sightlines from outside while allowing an inviting external appearance. Public program areas have also been integrated, promoting community engagement and reinforcing social connections within the neighborhood.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy