Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Bamboo Cladding and Trombe Wall Facilitate Energy Efficiency in Residential Design

Author:
Nader Zreik
Bamboo Cladding and Trombe Wall Facilitate Energy Efficiency in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Bamboo cladding and a Trombe wall define a residential design that melds sustainable materials with passive cooling methods, creating an energy-efficient home tailored for modern living in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo cladding enhances natural ventilation while minimizing environmental impact.
02
A Trombe wall provides passive solar heating, optimizing energy use throughout the year.
03
Custom cantilevered balconies extend living space while offering shaded outdoor areas.
04
Pool placement on the western side promotes evaporative cooling for indoor comfort.
05
Design allows for future expansion without disrupting the original layout.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the House of Future is designed to respond effectively to the demands of a residential space that prioritizes functionality and sustainability. The project seeks to create an environment conducive to daily living while addressing the challenges posed by the region’s extreme climate.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout strategically divides the structure into three distinct functional areas, ensuring efficient circulation throughout. On the ground floor, a lobby leads to a spacious living room and an integrated kitchen with a pantry, facilitating social interaction and communal activities. A swimming pool positioned on the western side enhances passive cooling through evaporative techniques. The first floor comprises bedrooms designed with en-suite bathrooms, balconies, and optimal daylighting, catering to privacy and outdoor access.

### Material Selection
The project employs a selection of sustainable materials that simultaneously meet practical requirements. Bamboo panels are utilized for exterior shading and cladding to promote natural ventilation, while renewable wood flooring contributes to energy efficiency. A Trombe wall system is implemented to manage indoor temperatures passively, complemented by cork wall cladding for improved thermal insulation and sound attenuation. Additionally, solar panels are integrated to harness renewable energy, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

### Innovative Environmental Strategies
The design features a variety of innovative ventilation and cooling systems to reduce reliance on mechanical means. Natural cross-ventilation, air tunnels, and strategically placed openings facilitate effective airflow throughout the living spaces. The use of recyclable materials reflects a focus on sustainability, while a green façade and landscape integration promote biodiversity. The structure also accommodates vertical expansion, allowing for future adaptability in response to evolving family needs.

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