Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Central Courtyard With Solar Panels Enhances Sustainable Living in Contemporary Family Home

Authors:
Bhavana Gulaty, Tanishq Roy, Sachin Gulaty
Central Courtyard With Solar Panels Enhances Sustainable Living in Contemporary Family Home

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability through the integration of solar panels and a central courtyard, the design redefines family living in a contemporary context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard designed for natural ventilation and family interaction.
02
Merging of traditional mashrabiya screens with modern privacy solutions.
03
Rooftop pavilions create versatile outdoor living spaces.
04
Use of bamboo flooring as a sustainable and aesthetic choice.
05
Solar panels integrated seamlessly into the roof design for energy efficiency.

# Analytical Report on "Dar Altanwir" – House of Enlightenment

## Project Overview
"Dar Altanwir," meaning "House of Enlightenment," is located in Dubai, a city at the intersection of tradition and modernity. Intended for a family of four, the residence embodies Emirati cultural elements while integrating contemporary living needs. The design balances regional architectural heritage with modern construction methodologies, establishing a framework for innovative housing solutions within an evolving urban context.

## Spatial Organization
The house features a deliberate spatial arrangement that emphasizes both communal and private areas. At its center lies a 6-meter setback leading to a landscaped courtyard, serving as the focal point and facilitating natural light and ventilation throughout the home. Areas are thoughtfully zoned, enabling functional separation while fostering engagement. Key spaces include a Majlis for visitor reception adjacent to family-oriented environments such as living rooms, a home theater, and private bedrooms. This organization not only enhances interaction among occupants but also respects individual privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to both aesthetics and sustainability. The use of durable marble in public areas and easy-to-maintain porcelain tiles in kitchens highlights practicality. Bamboo flooring in bedrooms adds a natural element, emphasizing ecological considerations. The integration of solar panels on rooftop pavilions exhibits an approach to renewable energy, aligning with modern sustainability practices. The construction employs a hybrid of prefabricated modular systems, combining efficiency with high-quality outcomes, positioning the project as an exemplar of forward-thinking residential architecture.

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