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Energy Autonomous Residence Featuring Roof Gardens and Concrete Folding Slabs

Authors:
Rabih Anis Zeidan, Dennis Segundo, Jino John Bobias, Annabel Karim Kassar
Energy Autonomous Residence Featuring Roof Gardens and Concrete Folding Slabs

Project in-detail

Constructed with concrete folding slabs and an integrated roof garden, the residence enhances energy autonomy while promoting urban agriculture within a cohesive community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cantilevered slabs that optimize natural ventilation and indoor-outdoor connectivity.
02
A rooftop garden serves as an urban farming space, enhancing sustainability and community integration.
03
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the roof design, contributing to the building's energy autonomy.
04
The central courtyard fosters social interaction and community cohesion among residents.
05
Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light while maintaining visual connections to the exterior landscape.

## Overview
Located in an urban setting, the project emphasizes the integration of contemporary design with functional sustainability. The intent is to create a residential environment that fosters interaction among residents while capitalizing on natural elements. The architectural approach features a roof-integrated design that enhances energy autonomy and facilitates the cultivation of urban agriculture.

## Spatial Dynamics
The design is inspired by the artistic concepts illustrated in Escher's **Drawing Hands**, where two folding slabs generate dynamic spaces around a central courtyard. This configuration not only facilitates a dialogue between indoor and outdoor areas but also encourages movement and engagement among its inhabitants. The inclusion of peripheral openings through cantilevered slabs enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, thus reducing dependence on artificial lighting and climate control.

## Material Utilization
The selection of materials is both functional and aesthetically purposeful, contributing to the overall cohesion of the design. Concrete provides a stable structural base, while strategically placed glass panels promote natural light and visual connectivity to the surrounding gardens. Solar panels are integrated into the roof design to harness energy, achieving partial off-grid capability. Wood accents introduce warmth into the modern framework, enhancing the residential atmosphere.

The project also features accessible rooftop gardens that support urban farming initiatives, aligning with sustainable living practices. The roof acts as a fifth façade, extending the living space outdoors and creating an inviting environment that connects residents with their surroundings. The central courtyard serves as a communal gathering area, reinforcing a sense of community among residents.

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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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