Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Brushed Concrete and Polystyrene Cladding in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Peter Charles Searle
Brushed Concrete and Polystyrene Cladding in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed with brushed concrete and lightweight polystyrene, this energy-efficient residence integrates open-plan living with sustainable materials to create a modern family home that harmonizes with its desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using prefabricated modular units to optimize construction efficiency.
02
Incorporates drought-resistant landscaping to reduce water consumption in the desert environment.
03
Features a unique louvred window system that enhances natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
04
Utilizes brushed concrete cladding combined with polystyrene for improved thermal insulation.
05
Designed with an open-plan layout to foster seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences.

### Overview

Located in the urban context of Dubai, the residential design integrates sustainability, functionality, and modern living principles. The intent is to create a space that reflects the qualities of Protection, Welcome, and Liberty, offering an innovative approach to residential architecture that addresses both climatic challenges and the needs of contemporary family life.

### Spatial Organization

The design is systematically structured into four modular units, each prefabricated to enhance efficiency and reduce material waste during construction. The ground floor is dedicated to communal areas, including a living room, kitchen, and dining space, promoting connectivity for family interactions. The first floor features private living quarters with bedrooms equipped with dressing areas and bathrooms, balancing privacy with openness. The second floor accommodates adaptable family spaces, showcasing flexibility to adapt to changing familial requirements. The integration of outdoor living areas, through fully retractable glass doors, extends the interior spaces and fosters a connection with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials plays a critical role in achieving durability, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency. Brushed concrete cladding provides a modern texture and structural robustness. Polystyrene rendered cladding enhances insulation and cost-effectiveness, while aluminum battens contribute to visual interest and privacy without compromising airflow. Louvred windows facilitate natural ventilation, assisting in reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems, and Tasmanian Oak finishes add warmth and tactile comfort to the interior design. The overall design strategy promotes a commendable 6-star energy rating, emphasizing passive design approaches for natural light optimization and indoor climate control. Additionally, the placement of native, drought-tolerant landscaping aligns the project with local ecological requirements, merging built forms with the natural environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy