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Curvilinear Structure Enhanced by Gold-Lattice Accents and Sustainable Concrete Elements

Authors:
Maria Inmaculada Concepcion Fernandez Callejas, Jose Francisco Castillo Estevez
Curvilinear Structure Enhanced by Gold-Lattice Accents and Sustainable Concrete Elements

Project in-detail

Gold-lattice accents complement the curvilinear form and precast concrete structure, transforming the residence into a functional embodiment of hospitality and cultural identity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates gold-lattice accents inspired by traditional Arabic design.
02
Utilizes precast concrete for efficient and sustainable construction.
03
Features extensive use of photovoltaic glass for energy efficiency.
04
Focuses on a fluid, curvilinear form to enhance social interaction.
05
Incorporates native landscaping to promote local biodiversity.

### Project Overview

The Tea is designed for a prominent location in Dubai, UAE, with an architectural vision that emphasizes hospitality through a structure inspired by traditional teapots. The intent is to create an environment that fosters both family living and social gatherings, promoting warmth and sociability within the framework of modern architecture.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The design features a fluid, organic shape characterized by soft curves and prominent circular elements that contribute to an inviting atmosphere. The material palette includes precast concrete for the primary structure, which offers durability and construction efficiency. Transparent and photovoltaic glass is utilized to maximize natural light penetration while ensuring energy efficiency, enhancing the overall sustainability of the building. Decorative gold-toned accents, inspired by traditional Arabic motifs, are integrated into the façade, softening the building’s form and connecting it to the cultural context of the region.

### Functional Layout and User Experience

The Tea is organized across multiple floors to balance communal and private spaces. The ground floor serves as a central hub with an open-concept design that fosters social interaction, including a living area, dining space, and kitchen. The first floor is dedicated to privacy, featuring a master suite and additional bedrooms, each with private baths, alongside an office space for productivity. A separate service block discreetly accommodates functional areas such as a garage and laundry without disrupting the main living areas. This thoughtful layout ensures a cohesive flow throughout the home while promoting both comfort and functionality.

The landscape surrounding the building integrates dense greenery and palm trees, further enhancing the connection to nature and providing outdoor living spaces that extend the indoor experience.

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

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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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