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Cultural Facade Crafted from 3D-Printed Panels and Natural Materials in a Sustainable Community Space

Authors:
Ahmed Emad Habashy Meselhy, Omar Shebl Mohamed Hammad Khairaldien, Esraa Abdelfarrag Mahmoud Elnaggar, Shady Ghubrial
Cultural Facade Crafted from 3D-Printed Panels and Natural Materials in a Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

The cultural facade, crafted from 3D-printed panels, uniquely integrates natural materials and innovative lighting strategies to create a sustainable community space that fosters social interaction and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building utilizes 3D-printed cultural panels that enhance natural light while providing a unique visual effect.
02
It features a bent A-frame design that supports structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
The façade incorporates a cultural screen to filter sunlight, reducing heat gain efficiently.
04
Sustainable materials such as cross-laminated timber and charred wood shingles are prominently used.
05
An integrated water recycling system captures and reuses graywater, promoting resource efficiency.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the design integrates cultural, environmental, and innovative principles to establish a distinctive architectural identity. The intent behind the structure emphasizes the engagement of light, community interaction, and sustainability, serving both functional and narrative purposes. The building aims to not only accommodate users but also enrich the surrounding environment through its architectural expression.

### Spatial Interaction

The layout focuses on promoting fluidity and social engagement among occupants. Open courtyards, terraces, and communal gathering areas are strategically incorporated to foster community ties, aligning with Dubai's cultural practices and social values. This design approach ensures that the building functions as an integral part of the urban ecosystem rather than a standalone entity.

### Materiality and Sustainability Initiatives

A diverse selection of materials is employed, emphasizing durability and aesthetic appeal. The structural framework utilizes reinforced concrete, complemented by glass to enhance daylight infiltration and connect indoor spaces with the exterior. High-performance insulation contributes to overall thermal efficiency, while sustainable wood is integrated for decorative purposes and furnishings, aligning with ecological goals.

Sustainability measures include the deployment of solar panels, which generate 5.2 kW of power, and a solar thermal system that heats water to reduce energy needs. Graywater recycling and rainwater harvesting systems are also designed into the structure to minimize water consumption. Additionally, biophilic design elements such as living walls and water features are incorporated to enhance occupants' well-being and create a harmonious environment.

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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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