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Cylindrical Living Spaces Featuring Glass Façades and Integrated Renewable Energy Systems

Author:
Habib Tabcharany
Cylindrical Living Spaces Featuring Glass Façades and Integrated Renewable Energy Systems

Project in-detail

Cylindrical forms clad in glass and concrete integrate renewable energy systems, creating a multifamily residence that emphasizes communal living and sustainability in Dubai's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical form enhances natural ventilation through strategic airflow paths.
02
Integrated geothermal systems provide efficient energy usage for the entire villa.
03
Extensive glass facades maximize daylight while framing desert views.
04
Communal areas are designed to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Elevated design minimizes environmental impact in a desert setting.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the design of "Solidarity" features a distinctive architectural approach that balances aesthetic considerations with sustainable practices and a focus on community living. The villa is characterized by a large cylindrical structure that encapsulates a smaller cylindrical volume containing four functional living units. This configuration emphasizes themes of unity and innovation, aligning with both local cultural traditions and contemporary architectural practices.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The villa's layout is divided into functional segments that cater to modern living needs while promoting communal interaction. The ground floor comprises expansive communal areas that connect to kitchens and living spaces, designed with practical outdoor parking considerations. The first floor is dedicated to private bedrooms and a majlis, which opens to views of the Dubai skyline, enhancing the spatial experience and fostering a sense of connection with the surroundings. The design encourages collaborative living, ensuring privacy without compromising on the shared community spirit.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material palette employed in the villa prioritizes both structural integrity and environmental sustainability. Glass is utilized extensively on the façades, maximizing natural light and providing panoramic views. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, contributing to thermal mass and stability. The design incorporates innovative sustainability features, including a wind chimney system for natural ventilation, geothermal energy installations, and strategically placed solar panels to optimize energy efficiency. Furthermore, elevating the structure by 30 centimeters minimizes environmental impact, addressing potential flooding and heat absorption issues. These elements work together to create a harmonious balance between ecological principles and the demands of modern 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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