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Expansive Glass Overhangs and Natural Stone Facades Create a Sustainable Oasis in Urban Living

Author:
Brianna Frank
Expansive Glass Overhangs and Natural Stone Facades Create a Sustainable Oasis in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Characterized by expansive glass overhangs and a façade of natural stone, the design fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance the residential experience in the urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Expansive glass overhangs provide effective shading while enhancing natural light.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles creates a distinct texture and improves durability.
03
A bent A-frame structure maximizes interior space and promotes efficient airflow.
04
Integrated green terraces offer outdoor living areas that blend with the landscape.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity and sustainability.

The Dubai Villa, designed by Brianna Frank, is located within the urban environment of Dubai, embodying a modern response to both residential needs and the integration of natural surroundings. The design integrates functionality with aesthetics, prioritizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort while creating a serene residential space amidst the city's vibrancy.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The villa's layout reflects a strategic organization that enhances flow and usability. The open-concept ground floor comprises interconnected living and dining areas, promoting social interaction and flexibility. The proximity of the kitchen to the dining area facilitates ease of movement and practicality. On the upper level, private bedrooms are designed to ensure privacy while allowing for ample natural light, and well-positioned bathrooms offer convenience. Expansive gardens and outdoor spaces support an active lifestyle, inviting residents to engage with nature.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The villa’s material selection emphasizes natural elements that reinforce its connection to the environment. Key materials include concrete for structural integrity, extensive glass for maximizing daylight and outdoor views, and wood or bamboo as lattice screens that introduce warmth to the modern façade. Stone cladding complements the contemporary aesthetic while integrating the structure within its landscape. Additionally, the design emphasizes sustainability through local material use and features like overhanging roofs that enhance energy efficiency and climate resilience, contributing to an environmentally conscious architectural approach.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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