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Curvilinear Form With Colored Glass Facade and Integrated Solar Panels for Sustainable Living

Author:
Ahmed Ben Slimane
Curvilinear Form With Colored Glass Facade and Integrated Solar Panels for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

The S-shaped design, characterized by its colored glass facade and aluminum louvers, seamlessly integrates sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting into a family residence that reflects the cultural essence of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
The S-shaped design enhances natural ventilation throughout the residence.
02
Colored glass blocks provide privacy while allowing ample light into the living spaces.
03
Solar panels integrated into the roof contribute to the home's energy efficiency.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are seamlessly incorporated into the landscape design.
05
Aluminum louvers are adjustable, optimizing light control and climate comfort.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the Ancestors' House exemplifies a contemporary approach to residential design that prioritizes energy efficiency, cultural sensitivity, and aesthetic appeal. The design integrates modern architectural methodologies with elements reflecting traditional Emirati lifestyles, aiming to create a dwelling that is both functional and contextually relevant.

## Spatial Distribution and Cultural Aesthetics
The architectural form features an S-shaped layout, which distinctly separates public and private spaces to facilitate comfortable living while ensuring privacy. Communal areas, such as the living room and dining area, are designed to foster connectivity, while private suites on the upper level enhance personal space. This arrangement promotes a functional hierarchy within the home. The use of materials such as colored glass blocks and textured façades draws inspiration from historical Emirati architecture, resonating with the region's cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements.

## Sustainability and Material Choice
Emphasizing sustainability, the Ancestors' House employs passive design strategies aimed at minimizing environmental impact. Key features include solar panels for energy generation and systems for water conservation, including rainwater harvesting. The material selection reflects a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, using concrete for structural integrity, aluminum for adjustable louver systems to optimize ventilation, and wood to provide warmth within the modern context. This careful consideration of materiality reinforces the project's hybrid identity and aesthetic coherence, while also supporting energy-efficient living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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