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Curved Forms and Green Walls Defining Sustainable Family Living in Dubai

Authors:
Ali Mohsen Esmaeil Lou, Bahareh Mohammadreza Ebrahimi, Niloufar Esmaeillou
Curved Forms and Green Walls Defining Sustainable Family Living in Dubai

Project in-detail

Curved forms and green walls crafted from local materials create a sustainable habitat that redefines family living in the urban landscape of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved architectural forms enhance natural ventilation and reduce energy consumption.
02
Green walls integrate local flora, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
03
Solar panels are strategically placed to optimize energy efficiency throughout the year.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated to support sustainable water resource management.
05
The use of regional materials reflects the cultural context while ensuring environmental harmony.

### Project Overview
Located in the historic Al-Fahidi neighborhood of Bastakiya, Dubai, this residential design merges contemporary architectural techniques with the area’s rich cultural heritage. The layout respects and enhances the traditional urban fabric, characterized by narrow alleys and wind towers, while addressing modern lifestyle needs and environmental challenges. The intent is to create a living space that embodies both local identity and global awareness.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The interior layout is carefully structured to provide private and communal spaces that accommodate family dynamics. Each family member is afforded a private master bedroom, while shared areas such as the living room and dining space are designed to promote social interaction without sacrificing privacy. This arrangement includes designated areas for study and leisure, reflecting the requirements of contemporary family life.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The structural integrity of the building is achieved through the use of durable concrete, complemented by steel reinforcements that allow for innovative design forms. Strategically placed glass elements maximize natural light and connect the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. Sustainability is prioritized through the incorporation of solar panels for energy efficiency, a rainwater harvesting system to address water scarcity, and green walls that enhance thermal insulation and promote biodiversity. These features exemplify a commitment to environmentally responsible design in response to Dubai’s climatic conditions.

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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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