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Double Façade Design With Climate-Responsive Glass and Sustainable Brick Construction

Authors:
Petros Stavrakis, Kleanthi Neokleous
Double Façade Design With Climate-Responsive Glass and Sustainable Brick Construction

Project in-detail

Employing a dual façade system for thermal regulation, the residence integrates sustainable brick and expansive glass elements to create a comfortable living environment in Dubai’s challenging climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual façade system enhances thermal performance while allowing for natural ventilation.
02
Incorporation of local vegetation supports biodiversity and promotes ecosystem health.
03
Rainwater harvesting system effectively manages water resources for sustainability.
04
Open-plan layout fosters social interaction while maintaining privacy in individual quarters.
05
Extensive use of sustainable materials minimizes environmental impact and promotes resilience.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the design of the residence focuses on creating a modern living space suited for a high-temperature climate. The intent is to develop a functional and self-sustaining home that emphasizes sustainability, comfort, and an integration with the surrounding environment. The design addresses the varying needs of occupants, providing spaces for sleeping, working, leisure, and social interaction while maintaining affordability.

### Spatial Organization and Environmental Adaptation
The layout distinguishes clearly between public and private areas, facilitating both communal interaction and individual privacy. Essential communal zones are located on the ground floor, with private quarters situated above. This arrangement ensures efficient navigation while promoting social engagement. To mitigate Dubai’s high temperatures, the design includes strategically placed outdoor spaces that enhance natural ventilation. A double façade system plays a critical role, allowing for effective indoor climate management and minimizing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Emphasis on natural light is achieved through large fenestrations, supplemented by shading devices to reduce direct sunlight exposure during peak hours.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features
Material choices are integral to the residence's performance and aesthetic coherence. Thermal insulation properties of brickwork contribute to climate control, while expansive glass elements establish a visual connection to the outdoors. Concrete serves as the structural support, providing durability, and natural stone enhances surface finishes. The design incorporates sustainable practices such as solar panels for energy independence, a rainwater harvesting system, and water-efficient landscaping, thereby establishing a model of environmental responsibility. The integration of green spaces and strategic window placements aims to enhance occupant well-being and create a comfortable living atmosphere.

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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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