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Curvilinear Facades with Brick Shading in Modular Housing Solutions

Authors:
Nur Kayali, Melis Cetin, Cem Aydin
Curvilinear Facades with Brick Shading in Modular Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Curvilinear facades incorporate brick shading devices to enhance passive solar heating in a series of modular double studio units designed for urban living in London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear facade design enhances solar energy capture while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
02
Brick shading devices regulate heat gain and improve indoor comfort in summer.
03
Modular units are sized to accommodate diverse living needs and preferences.
04
A dedicated buffer zone improves thermal regulation and air circulation.
05
Strategically oriented openings maximize natural light and minimize energy use.

The project addresses important urban challenges in London, focusing on the need for housing in a densely populated area. The design emphasizes modularity, allowing for flexibility and efficient use of space. By optimizing solar orientation, the structure responds effectively to the climate while enhancing the comfort of its occupants.

Modular Design and Spatial Organization

A modular system is at the core of the design, creating various double studio units that range in size from 40 sqm to 90 sqm. This variety caters to different living needs, ensuring that all units make the best use of their available space. The layout facilitates good circulation, with strategically placed openings that bring natural light indoors, making the living spaces feel open and welcoming.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental strategies are integral to the design, focusing on energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Bricks are used for the shading devices, which help control sunlight and prevent overheating during warmer months. The project incorporates a buffer zone that enhances temperature regulation, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.

Solar Orientation and Airflow

The orientation of the facades is carefully designed to maximize sunlight exposure and reduce heat gain. Openings on the south and east facades are aligned according to sun angles, increasing daylight access while ensuring passive heating in winter. Smart airflow strategies allow warm air to escape, improving air quality and comfort inside the units.

The unique design features curvilinear edges on the south and north facades that not only capture solar energy effectively but also create a visually appealing connection with the surrounding urban environment, enhancing the overall function of the space.

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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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