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Custom Terracotta Façade and Flexible Spaces in a Sustainable Residential Design

Custom Terracotta Façade and Flexible Spaces in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

With a custom terracotta façade and a layout that allows for flexible living spaces, the design effectively merges traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern sustainability features for a functional family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Custom terracotta façade enhances light control and privacy.
02
Flexible room configurations allow adaptation for changing family needs.
03
Integrated passive cooling strategies maximize natural ventilation.
04
Use of insulated concrete forms improves thermal performance.
05
Landscaping incorporates native plant species to promote sustainability.

**Overview and Context**

Located in Nad Al Sheba 4 near key landmarks such as Al Aziz Mosque and Blossoms Park, Majlis Al Fana'a, meaning 'The Courtyard House,' is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Emirati architecture. The design aims to blend cultural heritage with modern functionality, fostering comfort for a family-oriented lifestyle in a desert environment. Proximity to amenities like Aswaq Mall ensures accessibility while maintaining a sense of privacy and tranquility.

**Spatial Strategy and User Experience**

The architectural layout of Majlis Al Fana'a prioritizes a harmonious balance between private and communal spaces. The design utilizes a series of sequential spaces, incorporating a central courtyard that serves as both circulation area and social hub. The separation of private quarters from communal areas facilitates interaction among family members while maintaining individual privacy. Vertical circulation enhances connectivity, allowing natural light and airflow to penetrate deeper into the living spaces.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives**

The materials selected for the project reflect a commitment to both contemporary aesthetics and sustainability. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) provide heightened thermal insulation, ensuring year-round comfort. Structural and decorative wood elements add warmth to the interiors, while terracotta Mashrabiya walls filter light while preserving privacy. The extensive use of glass in both the facade and interior maximizes natural illumination. Regarding sustainability, the design incorporates natural ventilation through strategically placed windows, passive chilled beam air conditioning to reduce energy costs, and photovoltaic solar cells to harness renewable energy. Additionally, a water feature within the courtyard creates a microclimate that contributes to natural cooling and water conservation efforts.

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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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