Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Coral Stone Facades and Modular Living Units in a Desert-Climate Residence

Author:
PaweŁ Jakub Spryszak
Coral Stone Facades and Modular Living Units in a Desert-Climate Residence

Project in-detail

Employing coral stone facades and modular construction techniques, the design integrates underground living spaces to enhance thermal efficiency, resulting in a contemporary family residence attuned to the challenges of a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Coral stone facades provide thermal mass and aesthetic connection to the local environment.
02
Modular construction allows for adaptive living spaces that can grow with family needs.
03
Underground areas enhance natural cooling, optimizing energy efficiency in hot climates.
04
Integration of traditional Bajail design elements bridges cultural heritage with modern living.
05
Prefabricated wood components reduce construction time while maintaining high quality.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the project aims to harmonize contemporary living with the rich cultural heritage of the Emirates, catering to the needs of modern families. The design integrates traditional architectural elements with innovative construction techniques and sustainable practices, creating a space that addresses both communal and individual living requirements.

### Spatial Strategy

The design features a segmented layout that balances communal interaction with private living. Areas for distinct functions are defined through modular configurations, facilitating flexibility and adaptability. Notable design elements, such as the incorporation of traditional "Bajail" watchtowers, serve as cultural references that enhance the architectural narrative while establishing a connection to the region's heritage. The structure includes three levels—an underground retreat designed for thermal comfort, a ground level with open-plan living spaces supplemented by private modules, and a first floor designed to accommodate additional room configurations through prefabrication.

### Material Selection

The project's material choices reflect both modern and traditional influences to reinforce its thematic intent:

- **Concrete** provides structural integrity and thermal performance.
- **Wood** contributes warmth and serves as a nod to traditional construction methods through modular elements and interior finishes.
- **Glass** maximizes natural light and facilitates connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments.
- **Coral Stone** offers regional relevance in exterior facades, aligning with Dubai’s coastal context.
- **Masonry Blocks** support underground spaces, optimizing cooling in response to the climate.
- **Steel** enhances structural durability and modern functionality.

These materials collectively contribute to the project's sustainability goals through passive design strategies and energy efficiency, addressing environmental challenges while promoting aesthetic appeal.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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