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Curved Roof Crafted with PV Glass Integrates Native Flora in a Sustainable Residential Community

Author:
Simona Augello
Curved Roof Crafted with PV Glass Integrates Native Flora in a Sustainable Residential Community

Project in-detail

Crafted with a curved roof of PV glass and shaped by modular grid layouts, the structure harmoniously integrates native flora to create a sustainable living environment designed for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved roof design incorporates passive solar heating and rainwater harvesting.
02
Modular grid layout enhances adaptability for various residential configurations.
03
Use of local pigments in concrete blends the structure with its natural surroundings.
04
Communal spaces strategically encourage resident interaction and community engagement.
05
Integration of native flora supports local biodiversity and improves microclimate.
Villa El Miftuha is an architectural project that embodies a seamless integration of traditional Arab design principles with contemporary sustainable practices. Located in a culturally rich area, this villa is structured to offer a modern lifestyle while respecting its historical context. The design emphasizes climate responsiveness, social connectivity, and innovative materiality, catering to both environmental sustainability and community living.

Design Concept and Functionality

The primary concept behind Villa El Miftuha is to create a living space that honors historical architectural styles while implementing modern advancements in sustainability. The villa features a layout that promotes natural ventilation and light, thus reducing energy consumption. Its open courtyards, reminiscent of traditional Arab homes, facilitate airflow and create comfortable outdoor spaces. The building design includes communal areas that foster social interaction among residents, ensuring the development supports a sense of community. Such configurations serve not only functional purposes but also enhance the living experience.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets Villa El Miftuha apart from standard residential projects is its commitment to a modular design approach, structured on a 3x3m grid. This flexibility allows for replicability and adaptability based on site-specific conditions. The master plan includes units arranged around shared streets, reinforcing pedestrian connectivity and communal engagement within the residential framework.

The architectural form is characterized by its distinctive curved roof, which contributes to both aesthetic value and functional benefits such as rainwater collection and enhanced evaporative cooling. The materiality reflects local characteristics, incorporating concrete mixed with local pigments, reinforced steel for structural support, and PV glass for generating renewable energy. Native plant landscaping further enriches the design, contributing to ecological benefits while aligning with cultural heritage.

Detailed Aspects of the Project

The floor plans of Villa El Miftuha reveal a deliberate arrangement of spaces to cater to diverse needs. The ground floor includes interconnected living areas, a lobby, and an outdoor kitchen, while the upper level contains private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes. A semi-basement accommodates service-related functions, keeping essential infrastructure out of sight while being strategically efficient.

Vertical sections depict the functional zoning of spaces and the focus on maximizing daylight. The inclusion of local flora enhances the microclimate, providing shade and improving overall thermal comfort. This approach to landscape architecture amplifies the villa's sustainability ethos.

The comprehensive documentation of Villa El Miftuha includes architectural plans, sections, and elevations that highlight the interplay between traditional forms and modern functionality. For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this architectural project, further exploration of its architectural designs and ideas is encouraged to appreciate the extent of its thoughtful execution.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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