Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Carbon-Negative Concrete and Greystock Stones in a Family-Centric Residence

Authors:
Hrvoje Župarić, Dean Niskota
Carbon-Negative Concrete and Greystock Stones in a Family-Centric Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing carbon-negative concrete and greystock stones, the residence prioritizes sustainability and family privacy while seamlessly integrating local materials and climate-responsive design principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes carbon-negative concrete sourced from desalination brine.
02
Features greystock stones that enhance thermal regulation and humidity control.
03
Incorporates sheep wool insulation for improved energy efficiency.
04
Employs a layered privacy strategy with a dedicated courtyard design.
05
Includes adaptive shading solutions to minimize heat gain in outdoor areas.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, this design focuses on integrating cultural values with contemporary architectural practices and an emphasis on sustainability. The intent is to create a living environment that fosters familial connections and individual privacy while also reflecting local architectural traditions adapted to meet modern requirements.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is carefully designed to address both social interaction and privacy among family members, echoing the importance of hospitality in local customs. It features a tri-layered privacy system, which includes a boundary wall for initial protection from public view, a thoughtfully designed courtyard to facilitate interactions, and a separate entrance hall to maintain the distinction between family and guest spaces. Functional zones are clearly defined, encompassing service areas and living spaces, allowing for both current needs and future growth adaptations.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project incorporates a range of sustainable materials, all contributing to its environmental goals. Key components include carbon-negative concrete sourced from magnesium-based cement, reclaimed steel for structural integrity, and insulating sheep wool. Interior partitions utilize clay boards for improved thermal mass and acoustics, while triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency with minimal heat loss. Additionally, greystock stones help regulate temperature and humidity.

Sustainability practices are embedded in the design through various strategies. Water management initiatives aim for a 50% reduction in consumption via graywater recycling and native xeriscaping. Energy efficiency is prioritized through rooftop solar panels that generate surplus power and innovative thermal control measures, including lynch-style roofs that minimize heat absorption. These components underscore a commitment to ecological sensitivity while preserving the architectural narrative tailored to the region’s climate and cultural setting.

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