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Branching Form with Perforated Metal Screens and Natural Stone for Family Living

Author:
Hazem Al Zaro
Branching Form with Perforated Metal Screens and Natural Stone for Family Living

Project in-detail

A branching structure characterized by perforated metal screens and a blend of concrete and natural stone creates a versatile family dwelling that emphasizes both privacy and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Branching structure symbolizes familial connections, enhancing social interaction and privacy.
02
Perforated metal screens provide natural ventilation and dynamic light patterns inside.
03
Utilizes a mix of concrete and natural stone, integrating with the surrounding environment.
04
Double-height living spaces promote openness while maintaining functional separation.
05
Modular room designs allow for flexible usage, accommodating changing family needs.

### Overview
Located in the heart of the Emirati landscape, the design integrates contemporary architectural practices with traditional cultural elements. "OAR" serves as a modern dwelling that reflects the adaptive nature of Emirati homes while prioritizing family connectivity and cultural heritage. The architectural concept emphasizes flexibility, allowing spaces within the home to shift between openness and closure as needed, thereby fostering social interaction and respect for personal privacy.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of "OAR" is characterized by an intricate interplay of volumes that symbolize familial connections through a branching structure. Interlinked spaces are organized into distinct zones for living, services, and private activities. This configuration enhances livability by optimizing natural light and facilitating airflow while offering diverse settings for both communal gatherings and individual reflection. Key design elements, such as double-height ceilings in common areas and strategically placed vertical circulation points, further promote interaction among residents, ensuring an efficient flow throughout the dwelling.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices are integral to the project’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. The construction primarily employs durable concrete for structural stability, complemented by glass facades that enhance light penetration and visual transparency. Perforated metal screens provide both decorative value and practical benefits for privacy and ventilation, while wood elements offer warmth, and natural stone connects the building to its local context.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, featuring energy-efficient photovoltaic systems and a gray water reuse system for irrigation. Natural ventilation is facilitated by a "Wind Catcher" design, which promotes cooling through passive airflow, thereby reducing energy dependence. The integrated biomass management system further underscores the commitment to environmental stewardship. Overall, "OAR" embodies a forward-thinking approach to architecture by marrying traditional cultural values with contemporary sustainability practices.

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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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