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Adaptive Shading Systems and Rammed Earth Construction in A Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Junxiao Long, Shishito Hosomi, Zihao Lin, Jiayou Zang
Adaptive Shading Systems and Rammed Earth Construction in A Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating an adaptive shading system and rammed earth construction, the design prioritizes sustainability while effectively serving as a modern residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a smart shading system that adjusts automatically to environmental conditions.
02
Features an extensive central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and light distribution.
03
Incorporates rammed earth walls for superior thermal mass and energy efficiency.
04
Employs heat-treated wood for both durability and aesthetic appeal in shading devices.
05
Integrates large glass panels to blur distinctions between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Overview

The House of Future is situated in Dubai and addresses the region's climatic and cultural characteristics through a sustainable architectural framework. Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern elements such as the Barjeel (wind tower) and Mashrabiya, the design merges modern functionality with cultural heritage to create an innovative living space that integrates technology with natural features.

### Architectural Form and Interior Layout

The exterior showcases a unique composition of geometric patterns and materials that reflect traditional aesthetics while employing advanced construction technologies. The design incorporates a courtyard layout, central to the home, which promotes a balance of communal and private areas. The arrangement of large windows and transparent materials enhances natural light while minimizing the need for artificial illumination. The interior utilizes an open-concept plan, encouraging interaction among occupants. Private spaces, including guest rooms, are strategically arranged around the courtyard to maintain privacy while remaining connected to communal areas, enhancing the overall spatial experience.

### Material Palette and Sustainability

The project features a diverse selection of materials, including Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC), steel, rammed earth, and heat-treated wooden strips. GRC provides durability and design flexibility, steel contributes structural robustness, rammed earth offers thermal mass for passive temperature regulation, and wooden elements serve both aesthetic and functional roles such as light modulation and privacy. The sustainability framework encompasses solar energy systems, natural ventilation strategies, and efficient water management techniques. Photovoltaic panels harness renewable energy, while the Barjeel system facilitates airflow to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. Greywater treatment systems promote water conservation, underscoring the project's commitment to self-sufficiency and ecological responsibility.

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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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