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Biophilic Design Incorporating 3D-Printed Mashrabiya and Native Landscapes in Sustainable Coastal Living

Authors:
Aly Hajjaj, Jayda Walid, Mariam Maged, Mennatallah Eid Abbas Mohamed
Biophilic Design Incorporating 3D-Printed Mashrabiya and Native Landscapes in Sustainable Coastal Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating 3D-printed mashrabiya for ventilation and native landscaping for ecological harmony, this sustainable coastal residence redefines community living with its thoughtful design and adaptive use of materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 3D-printed mashrabiya for enhanced light and air flow.
02
Utilizes travertine stone for both durability and aesthetic impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that facilitates natural ventilation.
04
Integrates native landscaping for improved ecological sustainability.
05
Designed to foster community interaction through shared spaces.

## Overview

Mangrove Haven is situated along a coastal expanse, designed with a focus on sustainability and cultural heritage. The project draws inspiration from the natural resilience and interconnectedness of mangrove ecosystems, intending to create a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. By emphasizing modular architecture and communal spaces, the design promotes community interaction while respecting individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout prioritizes both utility and comfort through a carefully planned floor arrangement. The ground floor features a centralized living room with expansive windows, fostering a communal atmosphere, alongside a traditional Majlis room that encourages social engagement. The kitchen is designed for optimal functionality, enhancing the overall flow of the space. On the first floor, bedrooms ensure tranquility through strategic placement, complemented by balconies and terraces that invite outdoor interaction.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing the project’s sustainability initiatives. Key elements include travertine stone for durability and visual appeal, 3D-printed mashrabiya layers that enhance ventilation and light diffusion, and low-impact hardscape materials that facilitate water conservation. Additionally, the incorporation of glass elements strengthens the connection to the surrounding landscape, while the selection of native plant varieties in xeriscaping contributes to the ecological footprint of the project.

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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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