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Curved Concrete Roof and Water Collection System Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Desert Climate

Author:
Ulysse Michel Jean-claude Geroux
Curved Concrete Roof and Water Collection System Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Incorporating a curved concrete roof and an integrated water collection system, this residential design maximizes resource efficiency while providing a functional, family-oriented living space in Dubai's arid environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with a bent A-frame design, enhancing structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates an innovative roof water collection system for sustainable resource management.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to improve thermal performance and reduce energy use.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles, providing natural fire resistance and visual texture.
05
Designed to optimize indoor-outdoor connectivity, enhancing natural light and ventilation.

### Overview
House No. 11-1968 is situated in Dubai, a city known for its rapid transition from traditional roots to modern development. The design focuses on integrating the building with its geographical and cultural context while maintaining structural functionality. The project aims to create a dialogue between the residents and their environment, ensuring both a sense of continuity and a contemporary living experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection for House No. 11-1968 is thoughtfully curated to enhance durability and align with sustainability goals. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing resilience to the extreme climate. Cladded wood panels are used for exterior insulation, contributing to energy efficiency and aesthetic integration with the surroundings. A roof-integrated water collection system exemplifies the commitment to resource management, enabling effective water conservation in the arid environment.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The spatial distribution within House No. 11-1968 is designed to balance communal and private areas. The ground floor features a living room that maximizes natural light and views, complemented by a patio that fosters outdoor interaction. The garden employs native flora to encourage local biodiversity. On the first floor, bedrooms are strategically located to ensure privacy while offering ocean views, with communal spaces designed for family engagement. Removable elements and reflective surface dynamics contribute to adaptable environments, responding to varying climate conditions and enhancing 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.

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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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