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Corten Steel and Adobe Fusion in a Sustainable Urban Habitat

Author:
Laurent AndrÉ Maurice Destouches
Corten Steel and Adobe Fusion in a Sustainable Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing corten steel and adobe, this sustainable urban habitat effectively integrates local materials to enhance climate responsiveness while fostering communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally-sourced adobe to enhance thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates corten steel for durability and minimal maintenance.
03
Features dual facades designed to optimize solar gain and ventilation.
04
Integrates multifunctional walls that serve structural and aesthetic purposes.
05
Emphasizes communal spaces to foster resident interaction and engagement.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the project addresses sustainable housing within the context of rapid urbanization and resource challenges. It adopts innovative design principles aimed at fostering ecological sensitivity and enhancing community engagement. The intent is to create a framework that aligns with the concept of "Smart Cities," where environmental considerations are integrated into urban living.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
The design incorporates collective spaces that facilitate social interaction among residents, thereby promoting a strong sense of community. The layout emphasizes connectivity and adaptability, allowing structures to harmonize with their surroundings. Key architectural features include dual facades inspired by local vernacular, which not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also improve energy efficiency through effective solar heat gain management.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A diverse palette of materials was chosen based on their functional properties and environmental suitability. Corten steel, with its low maintenance requirements, is combined with locally sourced adobe that supports thermal comfort. Lightweight composites and sand-filled walls contribute to the resilience and energy efficiency of the structures. The overall approach to material selection aligns with the project's sustainability goals, ensuring minimal environmental impact while addressing the climatic realities of the region.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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