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Aeroponic Farming Integrated Within Thermal Regulating Structures in Sustainable Desert Housing

Author:
Amirali Merati
Aeroponic Farming Integrated Within Thermal Regulating Structures in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating aeroponic gardens and thermo-chromic glass within a flexible modular design, the project advances sustainable living in the arid climate of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aeroponic gardens are integrated into the design to support sustainable food production.
02
Three layers of porous polyethylene fabric enhance ventilation and thermal efficiency.
03
Thermochromic glass adjusts to temperature changes, reducing energy consumption.
04
Modular units allow for easy adaptation to varying family sizes and needs.
05
The architecture employs natural forms that mimic the surrounding desert landscape.

### Architectural Report: Future House – A House to Balance

**Location**: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

**Project Overview**
Future House is an architectural design initiative located in Dubai, aimed at reconciling urban development with the natural desert landscape. The project seeks to foster a sustainable and balanced relationship between the built environment and the surrounding ecology, drawing from Dubai’s rich cultural tapestry that merges maritime and desert influences.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design features a modular configuration of residential units that accommodates diverse family sizes while optimizing space utilization. This arrangement balances privacy with communal interaction by integrating shared areas that encourage social engagement among residents. The fluid and organic forms of the structures echo the natural topography of desert dunes, enhancing both visual appeal and functionality. These designs facilitate efficient airflow, contributing to cooler indoor environments, which is essential in Dubai's climate.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials in Future House emphasizes sustainability and adaptability to local conditions. Key components include three layers of porous polyethylene fabric, which provide ventilation and thermal regulation; thermo-chromic glass that adjusts opacity based on temperature fluctuations, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling; and radiative cooling panels that utilize natural cooling methods to manage heat. Additionally, the integration of underground aeroponic gardens exemplifies innovative urban agriculture solutions, maximizing resource efficiency while promoting sustainable living practices.

Future House exemplifies a thoughtful response to Dubai's unique geographical and cultural context, establishing a modern habitation model that respects ecological integrity and community dynamics. Through its scalable design, sustainable methodologies, and cultural reverence, the project addresses contemporary living needs in arid environments.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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