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Earthen Plaster And Natural Stone Blend in A Sustainable Urban Dwelling

Authors:
Mariana Cesar Chaves , Vinicius Goncalves Garcia , João Paulo Espindola Martins Silva , Cristiane Tiemi Urakawa
Earthen Plaster And Natural Stone Blend in A Sustainable Urban Dwelling

Project in-detail

An earthen plaster facade integrates with natural stone elements to create a climate-responsive dwelling designed for enhanced ventilation and social connection in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
An open patio functions as a central light well, promoting ventilation and natural lighting throughout the residence.
02
Earthen plaster finishes are used to blend the building into the surrounding desert landscape while providing thermal insulation.
03
The modular design utilizes a compact footprint of 34m², emphasizing efficiency in urban living.
04
Natural stone accents provide structural integrity and a tactile quality that connects residents to the local environment.
05
Strategic use of greenery enhances microclimates around the dwelling, reducing heat gain and improving air quality.

# Architectural Design Analysis: "Into the Open" – House of the Future for Dubai

## Project Overview

"Into the Open" is a contemporary residential design located in Dubai, emphasizing sustainability while honoring traditional architectural vernacular and cultural continuity. The project's structural configurations demonstrate how modern design can coexist with environmental considerations and the social fabric of the community. This design approach not only embodies a vision for future habitats but also integrates essential elements that respond to the unique conditions of the site.

## Spatial Strategy and Climate Adaptation

The project occupies a 150m² site, featuring a modular form of 34m² that offers flexibility in spatial organization. The internal layout promotes a water-centric design, centered around an open patio that serves as a natural light well, enhancing ventilation and overall comfort. The inverted volume of the building facilitates cross-ventilation, while strategically placed openings allow for the passage of air, light, and views, ensuring an environment that balances privacy with openness.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The exterior walls utilize an earth-toned plaster finish that reflects the desert landscape's natural hues, complemented by stone accents that add textural richness. The choice of materials—including earthen plaster, natural stone, glass, and wood—serves both aesthetic and functional roles, enhancing the dwelling’s environmental performance. The integration of greenery into the design fosters microclimates that improve outdoor comfort and reduce reliance on artificial climate control, aligning with the project's sustainability objectives.

Transitional spaces, including walkways and patios, facilitate a cohesive separation of social and private zones, allowing the design to accommodate diverse family activities. This thoughtful organization reflects the balance between individual needs and communal interaction, enhancing the living experience.

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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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