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Embracing Ocean Inspiration Through Glass Facades And Natural Stone Integration In A Sustainable Community Space

Author:
Muhammed Rashid
Embracing Ocean Inspiration Through Glass Facades And Natural Stone Integration In A Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

Featuring a fluid design inspired by oceanic elements and enhanced by glass facades and natural stone, this community space fosters interaction while prioritizing sustainability and adaptability for diverse functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid architectural forms mimic natural patterns found in oceanic landscapes.
02
Interactive pods allow for flexible usage, accommodating various community needs.
03
The use of oriented strand board promotes sustainability through eco-friendly material choices.
04
Landscape design integrates native flora to enhance ecological harmony within the site.
05
Panoramic glass facades provide extensive views and optimize natural light throughout the interiors.

## Project Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Floral Dunes integrates natural elements with advanced technology to create a contemporary architectural response to the region's dynamic environment. The design's intent is to facilitate a harmonious coexistence between the built environment and its ecological context, serving as both a residential retreat and a community space. Through an innovative conceptual framework, the project aims to enhance human experiences while promoting sustainability.

## Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout is organized into three distinct blocks—Water, Earth, and Air—each symbolizing elemental forces of nature. The ground level features immersive spaces that draw inspiration from the ocean, establishing a tactile relationship with water. The elevated level consists of living spaces that extend into lush gardens, maximizing natural light and providing sweeping views of the surroundings. Modular interaction pods are integrated into the design to offer flexible areas for diverse uses, maintaining a strong connection with the external environment. Central to the design, the open spaces encourage social interaction, while vertical integration through a panoramic elevator ensures seamless transitions between levels, enhancing the user experience.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Sustainability and functionality are pivotal in the chosen material palette. Expansive glass window systems enhance natural light and visual connections, while reinforced concrete provides structural integrity and supports fluid architectural forms. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is incorporated in the wall and ceiling elements, offering an eco-friendly and visually appealing solution that aligns with the surrounding context. Natural stone flooring adds thermal comfort and tactile quality to the interior spaces. The design also prioritizes the use of sustainable materials and integrates green spaces, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility in contemporary design practices.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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