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Carbon-Absorbing Concrete and Solar Panels in a Modular Residential Solution

Authors:
Masoud Akbarzadeh, Hua Chai, Luxin Zhong
Carbon-Absorbing Concrete and Solar Panels in a Modular Residential Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing carbon-absorbing concrete and modular prefabrication, the design offers a sustainable solution for residential living in an arid environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes carbon-absorbing concrete for enhanced environmental performance.
02
Features modular prefabricated units for flexible living arrangements.
03
Incorporates photovoltaic panels for complete energy independence.
04
Designed for optimal natural ventilation in an arid climate.
05
Integrates local, drought-resistant landscaping to minimize water use.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the LiteKit House is an architectural initiative focused on contemporary housing challenges through the integration of eco-friendly practices and advanced technologies. The design aims to create a carbon-negative living space that addresses climate and community needs, promoting sustainability and resilience.

### Modular Design and Construction

The LiteKit House introduces modularity in its design with prefabricated units measuring approximately 2.5 x 2.5 meters. This approach allows for efficient assembly and future reconfiguration, enabling flexibility without significant resource consumption. The structure utilizes a carbon-absorbing concrete mixture that sequesters CO2, contributing to a positive environmental impact. The incorporation of energy-generating systems such as photovoltaic panels and wastewater treatment technologies fosters a self-sustaining ecosystem that minimizes reliance on external utilities.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategy

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability. The use of carbon-absorbing concrete, along with prefabricated walls and high-performance glazing, reduces onsite construction efforts and waste. Landscaped areas incorporate locally sourced, drought-resistant plants that align with the climate while requiring minimal irrigation. The design also employs strategic orientation and shading techniques, utilizing local wind patterns and promoting natural ventilation to effectively manage indoor temperatures, thereby enhancing occupant comfort and reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Integrated water management systems facilitate the collection and recycling of water, further supporting the structure’s sustainability goals.

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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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