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Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Panels and Glass Blocks Shape a Sustainable Residential Villa

Authors:
Rolands Bruzgulis, Elza Eliza Vitola, ElĪna Upe, Valters Bruzgulis
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Panels and Glass Blocks Shape a Sustainable Residential Villa

Project in-detail

Incorporating fiber-reinforced concrete panels and glass blocks, the design features an adaptive, modular layout that enhances energy efficiency, offering a versatile living environment suited for modern residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates fiber-reinforced concrete panels to enhance durability and aesthetic complexity.
02
Utilizes glass blocks for optimal light diffusion while maintaining privacy.
03
Features a modular construction approach allowing for site adaptability.
04
Integrates solar panels for renewable energy use and reduced environmental impact.
05
Landscaped with indigenous plants to minimize water consumption and promote local biodiversity.

### Project Overview
Located in a warm climate region inspired by Middle Eastern architectural principles, the design reflects a deep understanding of its environmental context. The aim is to develop a residential villa that prioritizes privacy, sustainability, and adaptability. The structure adopts a block-like configuration, with a central volumetric form designed to facilitate natural ventilation and maximize daylight while responding to various spatial contexts.

### Spatial Strategy
The villa's layout distinctly separates private and communal areas, enhancing user privacy within the dwelling. On the ground floor, an open-plan lounge and dining space promotes interaction and connectivity with outdoor elements, allowing for versatile use during social gatherings. The upper floor is dedicated to private bedrooms, designed with strategic window placements and facade elements to obscure sightlines, ensuring occupants' seclusion.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a carefully selected palette of materials that balances aesthetic considerations with functional requirements. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural support, providing resilience and stability. Prefabricated volume construction (PVC) enhances building efficiency, while glass blocks allow natural light into interiors without compromising privacy. Fiber-reinforced concrete panels adorn the facade, offering design flexibility and climatic responsiveness.

Sustainability features prominently in the design, with solar panels installed for energy and water heating, ample insulation in walls, and systems focused on optimizing thermal performance. The landscaped exterior includes drought-resistant indigenous plants, reducing water consumption and complementing the local ecosystem. Facade treatment incorporates slatted screens and decorative perforations, ensuring natural ventilation and filtering sunlight to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

### Modular Flexibility
The project introduces a modular construction approach, allowing the design to adapt to varying site conditions with minimal alterations. This adaptability is particularly valuable in urban settings where planning constraints can change. Additionally, the integration of smart building technologies, including radiant cooling systems, enhances energy efficiency and overall occupant comfort, reducing reliance on traditional air conditioning methods.

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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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