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Brass Accents and Circular Forms Elevate Sustainable Living in Desert Housing

Authors:
KristÝna UhrovÁ, Simona Gašincová, Vojtěch Langr
Brass Accents and Circular Forms Elevate Sustainable Living in Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Circular forms integrated with brass accents and sustainable materials define a residential space that prioritizes environmental sensitivity while fostering community interaction in a harsh desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular forms enhance natural airflow throughout the living spaces.
02
Brass elements provide durability while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
03
Integrated green spaces promote biodiversity and outdoor engagement.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction waste and enhance insulation.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient water runoff in arid conditions.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the "Orbis" project investigates the intersection of historical architectural principles and contemporary living standards, aiming to create a space that not only serves as shelter but also enhances community interaction and individual well-being. The design philosophy acknowledges that architectural narratives from the past inform future aspirations, resulting in a structure that integrates memory with functional living spaces while addressing environmental sustainability.

## Spatial Strategy

The organization of space within "Orbis" is meticulously planned to facilitate both community engagement and personal privacy. The ground floor is designated for communal activities, featuring flexible areas that can accommodate gatherings and workshops, fostering social cohesion among residents. The first floor balances semi-private family spaces with open-plan layouts that invite interaction without compromising individual retreats. The upper level is reserved for private use, ensuring that personal space is preserved while remaining visually connected to the communal areas below. This nuanced approach to spatial arrangement promotes a harmonious living environment, enhancing resident experience.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials in "Orbis" is driven by principles of sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Concrete serves as a robust structural element, whereas extensive use of glass fosters natural light and visual connectivity, promoting openness. Interior spaces feature wood finishes that impart warmth and texture, while brass accents provide visual contrast and dynamic reflections. Furthermore, the design incorporates sustainable features such as solar energy systems and rainwater harvesting, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsiveness. Landscape integration further supports biodiversity and outdoor interaction, enhancing the overall living experience in alignment with the climatic context of Dubai.

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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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