Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curvilinear Roofs and Brick Construction Harmonize With Desert Landscape

Author:
Cong Tri Truong
Curvilinear Roofs and Brick Construction Harmonize With Desert Landscape

Project in-detail

Employing curvilinear roofs crafted from sustainable materials, the design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding desert landscape while providing a functional residence that emphasizes natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear roofs enhance natural ventilation and reduce heat gain.
02
Brick façade provides thermal mass, responding effectively to temperature fluctuations.
03
Optimized building orientation maximizes solar efficiency and minimizes energy use.
04
Water features integrated into the design contribute to passive cooling elements.
05
Buffer zones transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, improving comfort.

## Architectural Design Project Report

### Overview

This project is a residential design located in East Dubai, United Arab Emirates, addressing critical aspects of climate-responsive architecture. Situated in a region characterized by extreme temperatures and humidity, the design aims to create a comfortable living environment year-round while minimizing energy use. The approach integrates both traditional influences and contemporary design elements, fostering a strong connection to the surrounding desert landscape.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The structural design incorporates three distinct, curved roofs that draw inspiration from traditional boat forms, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and climatic functionality. This curvature facilitates a play of light and shadow, allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces while mitigating the effects of direct sunlight.

The spatial arrangement divides the residence into two levels, with the first level accommodating private and communal areas, including a living room, dining area, and kitchen. The upper level hosts additional bedrooms and family living spaces, promoting separation between communal and private functions. A designated buffer zone operates as a transitional space between indoors and outdoors, improving thermal comfort through effective airflow management.

### Material Choices and Sustainability Measures

Material selection is integral to both sustainability and the building’s visual character. The main structural component is brick, chosen for its thermal mass and harmony with the surrounding desert tones. Concrete offers durability, while warm wood accents in the roofing connect the structure with its natural environment. Light blue glass panels are integrated to invoke aquatic colors, providing both functional glazing and aesthetic value through their reflective qualities.

Sustainability is embedded in the design through several strategies. Natural ventilation is enhanced by the roof profile, minimizing the need for mechanical cooling systems. Solar panels, generating 17 kWp, contribute to energy autonomy and reduce the home's carbon footprint. Water management techniques are employed through the incorporation of water features and strategic layering of surfaces, which not only fulfill aesthetic goals but also serve cooling functions. The building's orientation and thermal massing techniques further optimize sunlight management, demonstrating adaptability to its climate while promoting energy efficiency.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy