Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Adobe And Palm Fronds Create A Sustainable Home Reflecting Emirati Heritage

Authors:
Riwa Radwan, Perla Naddaf
Adobe And Palm Fronds Create A Sustainable Home Reflecting Emirati Heritage

Project in-detail

Constructed from adobe and palm fronds, the design integrates traditional Emirati elements with sustainable practices to create a family-oriented residence that fosters community connections.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using traditional adobe bricks, enhancing thermal efficiency in a desert climate.
02
Features a central courtyard designed to foster social interaction and cultural gatherings.
03
Incorporates passive cooling systems, leveraging natural ventilation techniques.
04
Roofs made from palm fronds reflect local craftsmanship and sustainable building practices.
05
Integrates water features inspired by traditional falaj irrigation systems to enhance landscape aesthetics.

## Analytical Report on CTV House

### Project Overview
The CTV House, or Culture Tradition Value House, is located in the United Arab Emirates and integrates contemporary design with the traditional practices of Emirati living. The design prioritizes an authentic representation of Emirati culture while ensuring modern comforts and aesthetics. This project reflects a commitment to the region's rich heritage through the careful consideration of space, materials, and sustainable practices.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of the CTV House emphasizes communal living, an integral aspect of Emirati social interactions. Central to the design is a courtyard that serves as a focal point for gathering, embodying the concept of a traditional majlis. The arrangement of spaces facilitates interaction among family members and guests, promoting a sense of community within the residence.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The materials used in the CTV House significantly contribute to its environmental efficiency and cultural resonance. Adobe bricks provide natural cooling properties, essential in the desert climate, while palm fronds incorporated in the roofing exemplify local craftsmanship. Wooden elements enhance both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the design, complemented by natural stone floors that add tactile richness and regulate temperature. The construction incorporates passive cooling systems and rainwater harvesting, alongside solar panels, thus aligning with contemporary sustainable practices and demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to energy consumption.

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
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