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Limestone Façade and Teak Louvres Create Sustainable Family Living in a Central Courtyard

Author:
Maged Samir Fawzi Takla
Limestone Façade and Teak Louvres Create Sustainable Family Living in a Central Courtyard

Project in-detail

A striking interplay of limestone and teak louvres envelops a central courtyard, seamlessly merging nature and living spaces in a design that prioritizes family connectivity and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and light throughout the home.
02
A combination of limestone and teak is used to create a harmonious balance between durability and warmth.
03
Wooden louvres provide both shading and privacy while allowing light to filter into the living spaces.
04
The flexible layout accommodates varying family sizes, facilitating adaptation to changing needs.
05
Integrated water features promote cooling and create a serene outdoor environment within the living area.

### Project Overview
Located in a context that reflects both traditional and modern influences, the residential design emphasizes a balanced living environment that fosters family interaction and personal privacy while prioritizing sustainability. Drawing inspiration from Arabic architectural heritage, the project incorporates a central patio that not only serves as a visual anchor but also facilitates airflow and enhances the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Spatial Organization
The layout consists of two distinct segments: the Family Block and the Guest Block. The Family Block features communal areas such as a kitchen, dining room, and living areas designed to strengthen family connections. It also includes a family TV room and a swimming pool to support recreational activities. In contrast, the Guest Block is dedicated to entertaining visitors and includes a guest terrace and accommodations to ensure comfort and privacy. The design includes a central staircase that connects multiple levels, promoting a cohesive flow throughout the residence while allowing for future expansion ranging from an essential 250 m² to an adaptable 400 m².

### Material Selection
The construction materials chosen reflect a dedication to both authenticity and sustainability. Natural stone is utilized for exterior cladding, offering durability and a timeless appearance. Teak wood is incorporated in the window louvers, allowing for controlled sunlight and airflow while adding a warm texture to the facade. Extensive use of glass ensures ample natural light and reduces reliance on artificial lighting, while reinforced concrete is employed for structural elements, providing modern design integrity alongside durability.

### Innovative Features
Key innovative aspects include the integration of solar panels, which harness renewable energy, and a carefully planned water management system featuring a swimming pool and fountain that enhance the microclimate around the patio. Smart home technology driven by sensor automation allows for efficient regulation of light, temperature, and water usage. Additionally, the landscape design incorporates a planted garden and a selection of trees to foster biodiversity and improve residents' quality of life, all while echoing traditional Arabic design themes through contemporary techniques and materials.

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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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