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Crescent-Shaped Residence Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Sustainable Prefabricated Steel Elements

Crescent-Shaped Residence Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Sustainable Prefabricated Steel Elements
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The crescent-shaped structure integrates prefabricated steel and photovoltaic panels, optimizing energy efficiency while providing a modern residential environment designed for family living in the heart of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crescent shape optimizes solar exposure and natural airflow.
02
Integration of a rotational mechanism enhances energy efficiency.
03
Construction utilizes prefabricated steel for rapid assembly.
04
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management.
05
Large glass facades create seamless connections with the landscape.

## Location and Design Intent

The Moon House is situated in Dubai, an environment characterized by unique climatic challenges and urban dynamics. This residential design integrates contemporary architectural principles with sustainability and cultural significance. The project's framework emphasizes energy efficiency, material innovation, and spatial organization, making it relevant to both its geographical context and broader discussions on sustainable living.

## Form and Cultural Context

### Architectural Expression

The structure is defined by a crescent shape, which serves both aesthetic and functional roles. This form optimizes solar absorption and natural ventilation, essential in a hot climate. The curvature fosters an organic connection with the surrounding vegetation and urban skyline, creating a cohesive visual narrative within its context.

### Cultural Significance

The crescent motif is deeply embedded in Arab culture, symbolizing renewal and fertility. This connection enhances the design's significance, integrating cultural narratives into the residential experience.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

### Key Materials

The construction employs prefabricated steel components, facilitating rapid assembly and disassembly. White photovoltaic panels adorn the roof, capturing solar energy and supporting the project's sustainability goals. The incorporation of glass and wood in the facades fosters an indoor-outdoor relationship while allowing natural light to permeate the living spaces, enhancing thermal comfort with wooden finishes that add warmth.

### Sustainable Strategies

The residence features a rotational mechanism, enabling it to adjust its orientation to maximize solar energy utilization throughout the day. A lithium-ion battery system efficiently stores energy, contributing to a self-sufficient power supply. Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated for irrigation and cooling purposes, aimed at minimizing the building's ecological impact. Additionally, passive ventilation strategies are employed to optimize airflow, further enhancing occupant comfort while reducing cooling energy demands.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

### Interior Layout

The internal organization prioritizes functionality and intimacy, with central communal spaces designed to facilitate interactions among residents. Distinct zoning for private sleeping quarters ensures individual privacy while maintaining overall community cohesion. The ground floor plan encompasses approximately 283.15 m², efficiently allocating areas for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and utility spaces.

### Connectivity and Natural Light

Large windows and an open layout enhance spatial continuity and natural lighting, providing panoramic views of both the lush landscape and Dubai’s urban environment. This design approach fosters an atmosphere of openness and integration with the external surroundings, contributing significantly to the overall user experience.

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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.

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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

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