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Curved Roof With Solar Panels and Natural Textiles Enhancing Sustainable Luxury Living

Authors:
Majd El Khatib, Ali El Rifai
Curved Roof With Solar Panels and Natural Textiles Enhancing Sustainable Luxury Living

Project in-detail

A curved roof design incorporating solar panels and natural textiles creates an environmentally responsive villa that seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability in the urban context of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved roof design directs rainwater to a central pond for effective water management.
02
Integrated solar panels optimize energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural sustainability.
04
Biodiverse landscaping features native plant species to minimize irrigation needs.
05
Open atrium promotes natural ventilation and social connectivity within the living space.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential villa embodies a commitment to integrating contemporary design with the region's historical and cultural context while promoting environmental sustainability. The project employs the "Organized Chaos Theory" as a guiding conceptual framework, seeking to harmonize various architectural elements to reflect Dubai's vibrant and diverse urban landscape.

## Conceptual Framework
### Organized Chaos Theory
The design philosophy draws inspiration from natural systems, where seemingly disorganized elements interact cohesively. This approach mirrors the multifaceted nature of Dubai, resulting in an architectural form that embraces complexity while achieving visual coherence. The geometry of the villa pays homage to Dubai's skyline, showcasing a blend of shapes that coexist in balance.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The villa’s material selection emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and functional sustainability. Key materials include concrete for structural stability, glass for natural illumination, and steel for dynamic architectural lines. Natural textiles are utilized in interior finishes to enhance warmth and comfort. Sustainability strategies are integral to the design, featuring curved roof panels for rainwater harvesting, strategically placed solar panels for energy efficiency, and passive cooling techniques to address the region's climatic challenges. The landscape is designed with native plants and water features that support local biodiversity and ecological health.

## Architectural Layout
The spatial organization prioritizes both community interaction and individual privacy. A central atrium serves as the focal point, promoting connectivity among living spaces. The layout distinguishes between public and private areas, with communal spaces—designed for entertaining—on the ground floor, while private quarters are situated on the upper level. Balconies and terraces are strategically placed to optimize outdoor living, creating a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

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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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