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Airflow-Optimized Courtyard Home Incorporating Sustainable Limestone And Fabric Elements

Author:
Birgit Annegret Hammoodi
Airflow-Optimized Courtyard Home Incorporating Sustainable Limestone And Fabric Elements

Project in-detail

Incorporating aerated concrete and sustainable limestone, this home utilizes natural ventilation and a central courtyard to create a comfortable living environment tailored for modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Tycon aerated concrete blocks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features an interior courtyard designed for natural cooling and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates Silka limestone for both insulation and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates solar panel systems for renewable energy generation.
05
Employs carved gypsum detailing that reflects traditional craftsmanship.

**Project Overview**
The House of the Future, located in Dubai, demonstrates a forward-thinking architectural vision under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The design prioritizes sustainable living while embracing modern functionality and maintaining cultural heritage. Reflecting the dynamic and rapidly evolving context of Dubai, the house integrates contemporary architectural elements with traditional influences.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
The residential layout consists of two levels, featuring a ground floor with a welcoming entrance hall, an open living room designed for social interaction, and a dining area that promotes fluid movement throughout the space. A courtyard with a fountain enhances tranquility, drawing inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern architecture. The first floor includes family sitting areas and bedrooms engineered for privacy and comfort, each seamlessly connected to outdoor spaces that afford panoramic views.

**Material Consideration and Sustainability**
The material selection is purposeful and aligns with both aesthetic values and functional requirements. Exterior walls are constructed using Tycon aerated concrete blocks for thermal insulation, while Silka limestone is employed for the interior, enhancing both comfort and visual appeal. The roofing incorporates tensile fabric for shading in car parking areas, alongside carved gypsum elements to enrich the interior with a touch of traditional craftsmanship. The design incorporates passive solar principles to enhance energy efficiency, solar panels for renewable energy generation, and systems for water management, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable living practices in an arid environment.

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

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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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