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Charred Iron Mesh Facade with Passive Cooling Features in a Modular Residential Context

Author:
Phúc Minh Nguyễn
Charred Iron Mesh Facade with Passive Cooling Features in a Modular Residential Context

Project in-detail

Incorporating a charred iron mesh facade and lightweight concrete panels, the design prioritizes passive cooling and modular living solutions, creating an adaptable family residence in an arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an adaptive charred iron mesh facade that improves energy efficiency.
02
Features lightweight concrete panels to reduce structural weight while maintaining durability.
03
Utilizes windcatchers for natural ventilation and passive cooling in arid conditions.
04
Designed with a modular layout, allowing for reconfiguration as family needs change.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to enhance water sustainability in the building.

### Overview

The Interactive House is a residential design project located in the United Arab Emirates, specifically created to address the region's climatic and cultural characteristics. It focuses on adaptability and privacy, which are essential for residents, while also incorporating modern technological advancements into the design of a traditional home. This project emphasizes a forward-looking approach to residential living through its innovative architectural layout, material selection, and environmental sustainability strategies.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design features a three-level layout that enables a variety of functional spaces catered to different family dynamics. The basement accommodates practical areas, including garages and utility rooms, with the potential for additional living spaces. The ground floor acts as the primary hub for family interaction, offering open living and dining areas that connect to an outdoor courtyard, thus fostering natural light and ventilation. The upper level prioritizes privacy, featuring sleeping quarters that maintain connectivity to the lower levels through strategic visual and spatial openings.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

The material palette for the Interactive House combines traditional and contemporary elements to enhance both aesthetics and performance. Lightweight concrete panels and steel structures form the backbone of the building, enabling flexible configurations that adapt to changing user needs. Traditional iron mesh systems provide a cultural touch, while powder-coated iron ensures durability against the challenging desert climate. The design also utilizes glass and layered facade elements to maximize natural light and improve energy efficiency.

The central courtyard serves as a multifunctional space that enhances the living experience, linking indoor and outdoor environments. Incorporation of windcatchers aids in passive cooling, while water features contribute to the overall sensory environment, reinforcing the connection between nature and habitation.

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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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