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Earth Walls Integrated With Green Roofs in a Modular Family Residence

Authors:
Andrea Carozza, Ada Musta, Dante Fantinel
Earth Walls Integrated With Green Roofs in a Modular Family Residence

Project in-detail

Integrating thick earth walls with green roofs, this modular residence enhances thermal performance and energy efficiency while adapting to the needs of a contemporary Emirati family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates thick earth walls for enhanced thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Utilizes green roofs to improve insulation and promote biodiversity.
03
Features a modular design allowing for future adaptability and extensions.
04
Incorporates a double skin facade to optimize natural ventilation and shading.
05
Employs locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact and support regional economies.

## Project Overview
The Oasis: House of the Future is situated in Al Ain, a city notable for its cultural heritage and arid climate. The design prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsiveness while addressing the contemporary needs of Emirati families. By integrating traditional values with modern technological advancements, the project aims to create a residential environment that fosters community and supports evolving lifestyles.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout is intentionally organized to accommodate various family dynamics through distinct zones for service, semi-public, and private areas. Courtyards and communal spaces are incorporated to promote social interaction among residents, reflecting the strengths of the extended family model prevalent in Emirati culture. Additionally, the adaptable design allows for flexibility in spatial configurations, enabling modifications that align with changing family requirements.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration
The project employs a range of carefully selected materials that contribute to its sustainability objectives. Recyclable mesh is utilized for the facade, enhancing natural shading while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Timber finishes add warmth to the interior spaces, while solar photovoltaic panels harness solar energy, promoting energy efficiency. Thick earth walls and double skin facades enhance thermal performance, and green roofs serve both insulation and ecological functions. These choices reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while ensuring the building performs effectively in the local climate.

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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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