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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.
The architectural project, titled "Ecotopia," is a villa located in Dubai, designed with a focus on integrating sustainable practices with luxury living. This design represents a culmination of modern architectural trends while respecting the cultural and natural dynamics of its urban environment. The project functions not only as a dwelling but also as a prototype for eco-conscious residential architecture, showcasing how high-end living can harmonize with environmental considerations.

The villa features a central atrium that encourages social interaction while optimizing natural light. The layout is efficient, with communal spaces on the ground floor and private quarters on the upper levels. Large glass panels allow for expansive views and promote cross-ventilation, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate in Dubai’s hot environment. The strategic placement of terraces increases outdoor connectivity, facilitating an extension of the living space beyond the structure itself.

The design embraces the principle of "Organized Chaos," reflecting the intricate interplay of elements found in nature and the sprawling character of urban Dubai. This distinction sets Ecotopia apart from conventional residential designs, as it endeavors to represent the local context authentically.

Sustainability is a key consideration throughout the project. The architecture employs a curved roof design that channels rainwater to a central pond, addressing water management in the arid climate. Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design, contributing to the villa's energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of native plant species in the landscaping is intended to foster biodiversity and minimize water consumption.

Architecturally, the villa employs a blend of materials that enhance its visual and functional appeal. Concrete provides structural stability, while glass maximizes natural light penetration, and steel elements offer a modern aesthetic with practical benefits. The arrangement of these materials supports both thermal performance and aesthetic coherence, ensuring a balance between form and function.

For those interested in exploring this project further, more detailed insights can be gained through reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs. Each element of Ecotopia reflects careful consideration of environmental impacts and cultural relevance, establishing a model for future architectural endeavors in urban settings.
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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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