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Dynamic Solar Veil and Thermal Mass Utilize Natural Materials in Multi-Generational Family Residence

Dynamic Solar Veil and Thermal Mass Utilize Natural Materials in Multi-Generational Family Residence
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Incorporating a dynamic solar veil and robust thermal mass, this residence leverages natural stone and wood to create a climate-responsive environment for multi-generational living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a dynamic solar veil that adjusts to changing sunlight conditions.
02
Utilizes thermal mass from local stone to enhance energy efficiency.
03
Features modular timber systems allowing for flexible living spaces.
04
Includes charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.

## Project Overview
Located in a context-sensitive geography, the House the Sun Built exemplifies an architectural design that integrates advanced technology with traditional Emirati cultural elements to create climate-responsive, multi-generational homes for families. The intent of this project is to harmonize with the natural environment while embodying elements of sustainability and adaptability fundamental to contemporary living.

### Material Strategy
The design employs a triadic system of stone, wood, and fabric, each selected for its performance and aesthetic contribution. Stone serves as the primary structural material, providing thermal mass that regulates interior temperatures, thus ensuring comfort in extreme conditions. Complementing the stone, wood is utilized in modular systems that form architectural furniture, allowing for flexible interiors that adjust to the evolving needs of family life. The fabric components function as a dynamic solar veil, adjustable in response to environmental variables, offering both shading and the capacity for solar energy collection. This adaptation enhances building performance while creating a visually compelling narrative that reflects traditional Islamic art styles.

### Spatial Organization
Designed to promote communal interactions, the spatial layout incorporates features such as an open courtyard that fosters social gatherings and family engagement. The arrangement includes dedicated areas for communal activities, such as a Majlis and dining spaces, alongside private rooms and a prayer space, facilitating both connectivity and personal privacy. This approach establishes a balanced living environment that caters to the cultural values of family and community, reinforcing social ties in Emirati culture.

Additionally, the house utilizes an adaptive design philosophy, allowing it to fluctuate based on user needs and environmental conditions, eschewing fixed layouts in favor of versatile spaces. The incorporation of natural ventilation techniques and a plenum system minimizes reliance on mechanical air conditioning, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and reduced carbon footprint while honoring traditional methods of climate control.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
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