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Circular Housing Units with Fly Ash Brick and Natural Cooling Strategies

Circular Housing Units with Fly Ash Brick and Natural Cooling Strategies
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Utilizing fly ash brick for enhanced thermal efficiency and equipped with natural cooling strategies, this circular housing initiative fosters community interaction while providing adaptable residential spaces in Dubai's unique climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes fly ash brick for sustainable construction and enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates circular housing units to promote communal living and social interaction.
03
Features integrated natural cooling techniques to reduce energy consumption.
04
Adapts to the local climate through climate-responsive design elements.
05
Employs modular construction methods for easy scalability and customization.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, the residential project "Embrace - in(g) - Harmony" integrates modern design with the region's rich cultural heritage. The intent is to create a living environment that harmonizes contemporary architecture with traditional values, sustainability, and community engagement. This project employs modular units, reinforcing adaptability to various contexts while maintaining alignment with local architectural practices and climatic conditions.

### Spatial Configuration

The design utilizes a modular structure characterized by an efficient square base, which enhances airflow and environmental interaction. Residential units incorporate circular forms to promote community interaction and foster unity among residents. The interior layout comprises customizable modules that cater to individual living preferences while ensuring cohesive community integration. Strategic zoning differentiates private and communal spaces, optimizing functionality and livability.

### Material and Sustainability Strategy

The project emphasizes sustainable construction through the use of local materials. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, while fly ash bricks enhance thermal efficiency in exterior walls. Vegetative elements, such as green balconies and terraces, contribute to improved air quality, along with self-shading screens that mitigate solar glare. Advanced ventilation systems, including an underground air exchange, facilitate optimal cooling in response to Dubai's climate. Additionally, the integration of natural cooling techniques, such as wind catchers, underscores a commitment to energy-efficient design.

The project's modular approach not only accommodates the diverse needs of residents but also presents a scalable model for future urban developments, reflecting a synthesis of contemporary and traditional architectural practices aimed at enhancing community cohesion and environmental responsibility.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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