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Electricity-Generating Facade with Vertical Gardens in a Desert Oasis Environment

Author:
Bayan Aburowais
Electricity-Generating Facade with Vertical Gardens in a Desert Oasis Environment

Project in-detail

Electricity-generating windows and vertical gardens characterize a skyscraper inspired by desert oasis themes, integrating resilience and sustainability within a multifunctional space in Dubai’s urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Electricity-generating windows harness sunlight for energy.
02
Vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and air quality.
03
Design inspired by the resilience of palm trees.
04
Located at the entrance of Dubai International Financial Centre.
05
Multifunctional spaces include offices, hotel, and public areas.

The Palm Skyscraper is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This building serves multiple purposes, including office spaces, hotel facilities, and areas for public use. The design reflects a strong emphasis on sustainability and strives to create a connection with the natural world. Inspired by the idea of a desert oasis, the project combines modern living with elements drawn from the surrounding environment.

Design Concept

The design concept centers around the theme of a desert oasis, representing a green area that provides a contrast to the dry surroundings. This notion resonates with Dubai's evolution from a barren desert to a bustling city. The Palm Skyscraper captures this journey by incorporating natural aspects into its architecture, fostering a sense of place that aligns with both the city’s history and its geographical context.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key element in the design of the Palm Skyscraper. Vertical gardens are integrated into the structure, enhancing its visual appeal while also benefiting local flora and improving air quality. The building features windows that generate electricity using innovative liquid coatings, allowing them to harness sunlight for energy. This contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the building and supports a more sustainable approach to urban architecture.

Functional Diversity

The varied functions of the Palm Skyscraper are evident in its design, which merges different spaces for a range of uses. It combines offices, hotel accommodations, and areas for leisure, encouraging interaction among users and visitors. This thoughtful integration makes the skyscraper a vibrant place that caters to the needs of its community while enhancing urban life.

Architectural Integrity

The building reflects the resilient nature of palm trees, known for thriving in tough climates. This design choice emphasizes the qualities of stability and adaptability, which are essential for any structure in Dubai's climate. By drawing on the symbolism of the palm, the architecture not only reinforces its aesthetic appeal but also highlights a commitment to creating a structure that is both functional and responsive to its environment.

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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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