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Bioplastic Facade With Muqarnas-inspired Roof Design In Sustainable Dubai Residence

Authors:
Ander Mael Irizarry Perez, Eric Ivan Gonzalez Lopez, Camila Zoe Mangual Soto
Bioplastic Facade With Muqarnas-inspired Roof Design In Sustainable Dubai Residence

Project in-detail

A bioplastic facade coupled with a muqarnas-inspired roof structure defines a sustainable residence in Dubai, leveraging advanced water management and natural ventilation to create an efficient living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates a bioplastic facade that enhances thermal insulation while minimizing environmental impact.
02
A muqarnas-inspired roof design facilitates natural ventilation and aesthetic appeal in a modern context.
03
Prefabricated construction methods streamline the building process and reduce onsite waste.
04
An integrated rainwater harvesting system efficiently collects and utilizes precipitation for household needs.
05
Waterless compost toilets significantly decrease water consumption, aligning with sustainable living practices.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the project aims to integrate contemporary architectural design with sustainable practices suitable for the region’s arid climate. By prioritizing energy efficiency, natural ventilation, and water conservation, it serves as a potential model for future residential developments. The design philosophy draws inspiration from Arabic architectural heritage, specifically the *muqarnas*, while modernizing its geometric forms to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal.

### Spatial Organization
The design encompasses two levels, featuring an open-plan layout on the ground floor that unifies living, dining, and kitchen spaces to promote interaction. The upper level provides privacy with bedrooms while maintaining visual connections to the lower area through strategically placed openings and voids. Noteworthy spatial features include a well-lit living room with expansive glass panels, a dining area oriented toward outdoor views, and a central staircase facilitating movement between levels.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materials are selected for both their functional properties and environmental considerations. Prefabricated bioplastic panels offer lightweight insulation with minimal ecological impact, while concrete provides structural durability. Extensive use of glass enhances natural lighting and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable practices are reinforced through the integration of composting, waterless toilets to reduce water usage, rainwater harvesting through the roof design, and a cross-ventilation system optimized by the building's curvilinear form.

Energy independence is achieved with solar panels and a custom eolic turbine wall, ensuring efficient energy generation. The project’s budget has been carefully planned to keep construction costs around AED 350,000, with the total projected at just under AED 600,000, demonstrating a commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality or sustainability.

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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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