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Curvilinear Forms with Natural Stone and Solar Integration in a Private Community Space

Authors:
Samuel Hervault, Florent FranÇois Serge Douez, Omar El Boucherour
Curvilinear Forms with Natural Stone and Solar Integration in a Private Community Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating curvilinear forms and local stone, this community space leverages solar integration and private courtyards to enhance sustainability and user comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integration of locally sourced stone enhances thermal performance and supports regional aesthetics.
02
Curvilinear forms optimize natural airflow and reduce cooling costs in a hot climate.
03
Private courtyards promote social interaction while ensuring resident privacy.
04
Solar panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy efficiency throughout the year.
05
Water features are incorporated to improve microclimate and enhance outdoor living spaces.

## Overview

The Urban Mashrabiya project is located in Dubai, addressing the unique challenges posed by the local climate and urban context. The design draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, particularly the mashrabiya, a feature known for its capacity to provide ventilation, shade, and privacy. The intent is to create a residential framework that reflects cultural values while integrating modern sustainability practices, thereby establishing a functional and aesthetically relevant living environment.

## Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The layout employs a grid-based organization reminiscent of traditional urban patterns in Dubai, with a focus on both private and communal spaces. Each residential unit is equipped with private courtyards, designed to offer seclusion while enhancing natural ventilation through shaded architectural elements. Community amenities such as shared gardens and recreational areas aim to foster social interaction among residents, promoting a sense of community within a dense urban setting. The incorporation of curvilinear forms throughout the design is intended to facilitate airflow, enhancing comfort and livability.

## Material Selection and Environmental Responsibility

A deliberate selection of materials is central to the project, with locally sourced stone providing durability and natural insulation in response to the climate. Glass elements enhance natural lighting and create a visual connection between indoor and outdoor environments, while wood adds warmth and tactile quality to interior spaces. The project incorporates sustainable materials, including solar panels for energy generation and advanced water management systems. Passive cooling techniques, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy use underscore a commitment to reducing environmental impact, thereby ensuring a resilient response to the region's climatic conditions.

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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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