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Corten Steel Facade With Integrated Courtyard Providing Natural Ventilation in a Modern Family Residence

Author:
Mohamed Ibrahimi Ouazzani
Corten Steel Facade With Integrated Courtyard Providing Natural Ventilation in a Modern Family Residence

Project in-detail

Distinctively incorporating a corten steel facade and a central courtyard, the design prioritizes natural ventilation while seamlessly accommodating modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel panels adapt to sunlight and provide privacy through intricate patterns.
02
The central courtyard enhances airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
03
Autoclaved aerated concrete used for walls offers superior thermal insulation.
04
Sustainably sourced wood cladding contributes to the project’s low maintenance needs.
05
Innovative gray water recycling systems support sustainable water management.

### Overview

Located in a climate-sensitive environment, The Patio House exemplifies modern residential design through its integration of cultural context and sustainable practices. The architectural intent focuses on creating a modular structure that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its inhabitants, featuring a central open patio that fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design recognizes the importance of natural ventilation and communal interaction, facilitating family gatherings and everyday living.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of The Patio House is strategically divided into distinct zones to optimize functionality and comfort. The left and right wings house private living areas, allowing for a balance between communal and individual spaces while maximizing natural light and shading. Central to the configuration is the open patio, which serves as a green space essential for cooling and air circulation, providing a critical buffer against external temperature fluctuations. The master plan incorporates flexible floor plans with movable walls, enabling residents to adapt spaces for various activities—transitioning from intimate gatherings to larger communal events.

### Material Choices

Material selection for The Patio House emphasizes sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Corten steel panels form the modular façade, offering lightweight and dynamic responses to sunlight while enhancing privacy through artistic perforations. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) provides exceptional thermal insulation and fire resistance, contributing to energy efficiency. Sustainably sourced wood cladding enhances durability and reduces maintenance, while granite and limestone stone cladding introduces natural elements that align with environmental responsiveness. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels supports energy autonomy, and a gray water recycling system promotes resource efficiency in water use.

These design features collectively ensure that The Patio House stands as an adaptable living space, balancing the needs of its residents with a commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony.

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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

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