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Coral Stone Facade and Reclaimed Wood Embrace in a Family Residence with Courtyard Integration

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Coral Stone Facade and Reclaimed Wood Embrace in a Family Residence with Courtyard Integration

Project in-detail

A facade of locally sourced coral stone harmonizes with reclaimed wood elements and an integrated courtyard, creating a contemporary family residence that respects cultural traditions while optimizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced coral stone for durability and thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates reclaimed wood to enhance sustainability and reduce waste.
03
Features a traditional Majlis to promote cultural interaction within the home.
04
Designed with extensive cross ventilation to improve indoor air quality.
05
Integrates a central courtyard to enhance natural light and create outdoor living space.

### Project Overview
"Subtle Juxtapositions" is situated in Dubai, a city known for its blend of modernity and traditional design principles. The project seeks to explore the interaction between innovative architectural strategies and cultural heritage, reflecting the unique architectural landscape of the region. The intent is to create a living environment that balances contemporary comfort with a respect for local traditions.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration
The ground floor plan emphasizes a thoughtful layout, with family living spaces arranged around a private courtyard. This configuration enhances connectivity and natural light through expansive windows, promoting ventilation and a sense of openness conducive to family interactions. The inclusion of a Majlis honors local customs, providing a modern interpretation of communal living while ensuring privacy through the strategic placement of service areas and parking. On the first floor, the design achieves a harmonious balance between intimate and public areas, employing a visual hierarchy that promotes fluid movement and incorporates traditional elements like arched openings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the project’s character. Local coral stone establishes a connection to the environment, while eco-friendly glass enhances energy efficiency and illuminates the interior spaces. The use of reclaimed Chandan wood contributes warmth and supports the sustainability ethos. Additionally, sustainable concrete is selected for its durability and minimal ecological footprint. Elements such as frosted glass featuring integrated greenery further blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a dialogue between the built environment and nature. This material strategy not only addresses aesthetic and functional requirements but also reflects a commitment to ecological sustainability fundamental to contemporary architectural practice.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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