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Elevated Living Spaces with Glued Laminated Timber and Sustainable Water Management

Authors:
Manuel Antonio Escandon Ruiz, Jose Alejandro Lopez Montalvo, Erick German Salgado Loayza
Elevated Living Spaces with Glued Laminated Timber and Sustainable Water Management

Project in-detail

Incorporating glued laminated timber for structural integrity and an integrated water management system, the design achieves sustainable living while maximizing open-plan spaces for contemporary residential use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glued laminated timber structure enhances architectural sustainability.
02
Integrated rainwater harvesting system promotes resource efficiency.
03
Open-plan design maximizes natural ventilation and light.
04
Modular walls allow for adaptable living configurations.
05
Bent A-frame design contributes to unique aesthetic and structural stability.

## Analytical Report on Dubai Homes à la Carte

### Overview

The residential project located in Dubai aims to establish a forward-thinking model for eco-efficient luxury living within an urban context characterized by rapid development. It seeks to achieve a balance between modern living standards and environmental sustainability, utilizing innovative design methodologies that respond to the locale's climatic conditions and urban challenges.

### Material Strategy

A diverse array of sustainable materials is employed throughout the project, each selected for its structural integrity and environmental advantages.

- **Glued Laminated Timber (GluLam)** serves as the primary structural component, offering strength while minimizing energy consumption and enhancing carbon sequestration.
- **Steel**, used in secondary structural applications, lends durability and supports expansive spaces while reducing waste.
- Large panels of **glass** optimize natural light and ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency and increased occupant comfort.
- **Concrete** forms the foundation and some structural supports, providing thermal mass and stability.
- **Oriented Strand Board (OSB)** is incorporated for interior partitions, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
- The external cladding utilizes **local natural stone**, reinforcing the project’s connection to its environment and local materials.

### Spatial Organization

The design prioritizes sustainability through various integrated features:

- **Solar Panels** mounted on the roof generate renewable energy, contributing to reduced reliance on nonrenewable resources.
- A comprehensive **water management system** incorporates rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling to optimize resource use.
- An **open-plan layout** facilitates a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing social interaction and natural ventilation.
- The modular design allows for personalized customization of living spaces, adapting to varying resident needs and preferences.
- Landscaped areas, including gardens and pools, are intricately woven into the architectural framework, promoting biodiversity and providing residents with serene outdoor spaces.

Unique elements include a **thermal regulation system** that utilizes surrounding water bodies for natural cooling, along with adjustable configurations that grant residents control over privacy and transparency within their living environments. The structure's elevated design enhances flood resilience and promotes effective airflow to mitigate extreme weather conditions.

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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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