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Algae Cultivation And AAC Blocks Shape A Sustainable Residential Environment

Authors:
Mahshid Sabri Farmad, Morteza Hoseinian Moghadam Noghani
Algae Cultivation And AAC Blocks Shape A Sustainable Residential Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing algae cultivation and AAC blocks, the design integrates sustainable materials and innovative ventilation strategies to create a climate-responsive residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Algae cultivation is integrated into the design for sustainable resource use.
02
AAC blocks are chosen for lightweight structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Passive cooling strategies enhance indoor comfort without mechanical systems.
04
Wooden louvers with solar tracking optimize natural lighting and shading.
05
The modular layout allows for flexible space adaptation over time.

### Overview
Located in a warm and humid climate typical of the United Arab Emirates, the design emphasizes sustainability, environmental responsiveness, and efficient space utilization. The project encompasses a comprehensive approach, integrating interior layouts and exterior facades while utilizing contemporary materials and technologies.

### Site Layout and Orientation
The design features a longitudinal layout oriented in an east-west direction to optimize natural light exposure and minimize direct sunlight during peak hours. This orientation supports passive cooling strategies, thereby reducing heat gain and enhancing natural ventilation. The organization of spaces prioritizes functionality, with distinct separations between public and private areas to facilitate user experience.

### Material Utilization and Technological Integration
The project employs a range of materials and technologies to advance its sustainability goals. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks are chosen for their light weight, strength, and thermal insulating properties, which contribute to energy efficiency. Wooden louvers serve both functional and aesthetic purposes; equipped with solar trackers, they optimize solar energy capture while providing shade to reduce excess heat. Solar panels integrated atop the louvers harness renewable energy, playing a critical role in minimizing the dwelling's carbon footprint. Additionally, an algae bioreactor facilitates microalgae cultivation, utilizing non-arable land and waste, further promoting resource conservation.

The interior spaces reflect a modern aesthetic with an open layout that encourages social interaction, particularly in shared areas such as the living room and kitchen. Each bedroom is thoughtfully designed with personalized elements, including practical storage solutions, while natural materials and modern fixtures enhance the inviting ambiance throughout the residence.

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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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