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Curvilinear Design with Textured Concrete and Sustainable Accoya Wood in a Modern Residential Setting

Authors:
Georgios Athanasopoulos, Christina Ktorsavva, Antonia Marinou, Evgenia Kov Glouli, Athanasia-eleni Papakonstantinou
Curvilinear Design with Textured Concrete and Sustainable Accoya Wood in a Modern Residential Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing textured concrete and Accoya wood, this modern residence integrates curvilinear forms and an efficient green roof to enhance thermal comfort in Dubai's climate while providing a functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes textured concrete to enhance thermal mass and improve energy efficiency.
02
Integrates a green roof system to support biodiversity and reduce heat absorption.
03
Employs Accoya wood for window frames, known for its durability and sustainability.
04
Incorporates polycarbonate panels for diffused natural light while minimizing heat gain.
05
Features a curvilinear design that softens the urban landscape and promotes airflow.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the design integrates contemporary residential elements with a focus on sustainability and environmental adaptation. The project addresses the evolving needs of its inhabitants while drawing on local architectural traditions and modern technology to enhance energy efficiency. The design symbolizes protection against the harsh climatic conditions inherent to the region, creating a dwelling that prioritizes both comfort and ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Organization and Climate Responsiveness

The structure features a strategic spatial arrangement that balances communal and private areas. An open-plan layout on the ground floor promotes interaction among living and dining spaces while optimizing natural light through carefully oriented windows, which reduce direct sunlight exposure during peak hours. The design incorporates cross-ventilation strategies to take advantage of prevailing winds, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The roof, embedded with solar panels and a battery storage system, underscores a commitment to energy self-sufficiency and efficient resource utilization.

### Materiality and Landscaping

The project employs a curated selection of materials that enhance thermal performance and support sustainability goals. Textured concrete provides thermal mass and facilitates natural ventilation, while Accoya wood, chosen for its renewable properties, is used for window frames. Seashell tiles enrich the interior experience through local material use, while an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) optimizes energy efficiency. Landscaping incorporates indigenous plants to minimize water consumption, fostering a connection to the local environment and creating a sustainable garden that complements the architectural design.

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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
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