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Canopy-Integrated Glazing and Textured Facades in Desert-Responsive Residential Design

Author:
Weili Jin
Canopy-Integrated Glazing and Textured Facades in Desert-Responsive Residential Design

Project in-detail

By incorporating a large overhanging canopy and extensive glass elements, this residence effectively merges indoor and outdoor environments while addressing the climatic challenges of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a large overhanging canopy to provide shade and reduce solar gain.
02
Extensive glass facades enhance natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Features a sunken garden to promote interaction with the natural environment.
04
Utilizes reinforced concrete for structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic fluidity.
05
Employs textured exterior finishes that reflect the local desert context.

## Overview

The Future House is located in Dubai, a city known for its rapid urbanization and diverse architectural expressions. The design addresses the complex relationship between built structures and their natural surroundings, aiming to create a harmonious balance that responds effectively to the local climate and context. The project emphasizes a strong integration with the environment, reflecting current architectural trends that prioritize sustainability and user well-being.

## Climate-Responsive Design

The architectural form is engineered to tackle the climatic challenges typical of Dubai. A prominent feature is a large overhanging canopy that not only provides crucial shade but also enhances semi-outdoor spaces, fostering natural ventilation and cooling. This approach minimizes dependence on artificial cooling systems, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency. The form incorporates dynamic features that facilitate cross-ventilation and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.

## Material Palette and Spatial Organization

The material selection for the Future House is deliberately aligned with both aesthetic and environmental considerations. Reinforced concrete offers structural resilience, while expansive glass surfaces allow for abundant natural light, fostering transparency and connectivity with the exterior. Textured finishes reflect the local sandy landscape, enhancing the building's contextual harmony.

The interior planning is meticulously crafted to promote fluid movement and interaction among spaces. Key areas include a central living room that provides expansive views of the surrounding garden and strategically-positioned bedrooms that prioritize privacy. Sunken gardens are integrated into the design, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments and allowing for a deeper engagement with nature.

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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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