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Corten Steel Facades and 3D Printed Walls Transform Modular Living Spaces in Sustainable Community Design

Authors:
Mahmoud Mohammad Hasan M. Alsheikh, Hussein Haroon Abdullatif Al-sbaihi
Corten Steel Facades and 3D Printed Walls Transform Modular Living Spaces in Sustainable Community Design

Project in-detail

3D printed walls and Corten steel facades create a flexible housing solution that integrates indoor gardens and communal courtyards, facilitating sustainable living in a modern residential community.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed walls allow for rapid and customized construction.
02
Corten steel facades enhance durability while providing an industrial aesthetic.
03
Flexible modular layouts accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles.
04
Indoor gardens promote biophilia and improve air quality within living spaces.
05
Zero-lot expansion options enable residents to adapt their homes as needs change.

### Overview

Located in a region noted for its architectural heritage, the Living Roots Project integrates contemporary design practices with traditional influences to promote sustainability and community engagement. The intent is to create adaptable living spaces that respond to varying needs while fostering a sense of connection among residents. By embracing a strong cultural narrative, the design not only respects past architectural norms but also addresses the current demands of urban living.

### Spatial Design and User Experience

The architectural layout employs a 3m x 3m grid system, allowing for modular configurations that accommodate diverse family needs, ranging from two to five bedrooms. Each residential unit is systematically organized into public, semi-public, and private areas to facilitate interaction while ensuring privacy. Expansive courtyards serve as focal points for social engagement, while the interior spaces are designed to be versatile, enabling transitions between different functions throughout the day. Features such as large windows and sliding doors promote a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the overall living experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Selected materials reflect a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. The use of 3D printed walls allows for efficient construction and design flexibility. Durable options like Corten steel and white plaster not only ensure longevity but also harmonize with the project’s overall aesthetic. Additional sustainable elements include solar panels for energy efficiency, tensile fabric for movable shading systems, and recycled materials used in landscaping. Biophilic design principles are evident through the incorporation of indoor gardens and green walls, which enhance air quality and promote a connection to nature, particularly vital in the region's arid climate.

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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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