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Dynamic Brick Screens and Natural Ventilation Showcase Sustainable Living in a Modular Residential Framework

Authors:
Elza Abdul Khalek, Julie Jamila Maddah, Aya Abdul Khalek, Wissam Naser
Dynamic Brick Screens and Natural Ventilation Showcase Sustainable Living in a Modular Residential Framework

Project in-detail

Infused with dynamic brick screens and a central wind tower for natural ventilation, the design incorporates a modular steel framework that adapts seamlessly to the needs of contemporary family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic brick screens provide passive ventilation while maintaining privacy.
02
A centrally located wind tower enhances natural airflow throughout the home.
03
The modular steel framework allows for future adaptations and expansions.
04
Integrated water features connect indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly.
05
Landscaping is designed to extend the architectural grid, promoting ecological balance.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the Flex-House merges contemporary architectural principles with local cultural heritage. This design addresses the climatic challenges of the region while incorporating modern amenities, emphasizing a balance between functionality and cultural identity. The project aims to create adaptive living spaces that cater to family dynamics and foster community interaction.

## Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces within Flex-House is carefully structured to differentiate between public and private areas. The ground floor includes communal zones such as the living, dining, kitchen spaces, and a traditional majlis, alongside recreational features like a hydraulic water body. The upper levels are devoted to private bedrooms, each with individual balconies and bathrooms, while flexible external areas promote versatile usage. The logical flow of these spaces facilitates social interaction while maintaining privacy.

## Sustainable Materiality

Material selection plays a crucial role in the design's efficacy. The structural framework is composed of a 3D steel grid, providing durability and the potential for future expansions. Locally sourced brick panels serve as dynamic screens, ensuring natural ventilation and enhancing privacy. Water features, including a water wall connecting the rooftop pool to the interior, enhance humidity control and visual continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. The inclusion of a green roof and lightweight roofing materials further reduces ecological impact while optimizing insulation and shading.

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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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