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Bamboo Shades and Bio-Based Tiles Establishing Harmony in Contemporary Living

Author:
Tamara KoljenŠiĆ
Bamboo Shades and Bio-Based Tiles Establishing Harmony in Contemporary Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating bamboo sunshades and bio-based tiles, the design prioritizes sustainability and cultural relevance while providing a modern residential living space in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates bamboo sunshades that enhance thermal performance while reflecting traditional design.
02
Utilizes bio-based tiles for sustainable paving, contributing to reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a dedicated Majlis, reinforcing cultural hospitality within a modern context.
04
Integrates green roofs that promote biodiversity and improve indoor air quality.
05
Employs hemp blocks for walls, offering natural insulation and energy efficiency.

### Project Overview

Situated in Dubai, UAE, the design aims to modernize residential spaces while honoring the region's cultural heritage. This project strategically integrates various floor plans and facades that combine traditional elements with contemporary design, focusing on functionality, aesthetic appeal, and environmental sustainability. The design responds to the local climate and social dynamics, fostering a balance between modern living and traditional Arab architectural characteristics.

### Spatial Organization

The layout demonstrates a deliberate separation between private and public spaces, optimizing functionality throughout. Key features of the ground floor include:

- **Living Room**: Designed to facilitate social interactions.
- **Office/Flexible Room**: Capable of serving multiple uses over time.
- **Kitchen and Dining Area**: Centralized for family gatherings, emphasizing connectivity.
- **Majlis**: A traditional space for welcoming guests, reinforcing cultural hospitality.

Vertical connections between levels enhance movement throughout the home, and the integration of courtyards and balconies fosters interaction with the outdoors, enriching the user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A strong emphasis is placed on the selection of sustainable materials:

1. **Bamboo for Sunshade**: Selected for its renewable properties.
2. **Bio-Based Tiles**: Durable with minimal environmental impact, used in paving.
3. **Precast Concrete System**: Enhances construction efficiency while ensuring structural stability.
4. **Hemp Blocks for Walls**: Provide natural insulation and energy efficiency.
5. **Solar Panels**: Incorporated for renewable energy generation.

These materials align with sustainable practices and reflect a commitment to innovative construction methods that support both the environment and modern lifestyle needs.

### Design Features

The project promotes sustainability and biophilic design principles through green roofs and solar energy solutions, fostering a connection with nature that benefits occupant well-being. Cultural elements are thoughtfully integrated, merging modern architectural practices with traditional motifs to establish a dialogue between history and future living. Adaptable spaces cater to contemporary family needs, further enhancing functionality.

Additionally, the design incorporates practical features such as courtyards and terraces that improve natural ventilation and light, while traditional attributes like the Majlis and patterned facades resonate with local identities, cultivating a sense of place. Overall, this project reflects a commitment to health, comfort, and environmental stewardship, addressing contemporary architectural necessities in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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