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Fluid Dome Structure Integrating Water Features and Composite Materials in Luxury Hospitality

Author:
Vincenzo Calabrese
Fluid Dome Structure Integrating Water Features and Composite Materials in Luxury Hospitality

Project in-detail

The dual-layered dome of this luxury hotel seamlessly integrates water features and composite materials, creating a harmonious environment that enhances the guest experience while emphasizing a connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates a unique dual-layered dome structure for improved ventilation and light filtration.
02
Water blades covering 7,000 square meters create a cooling microclimate throughout the hotel.
03
Parametric design techniques mimic natural growth patterns, establishing a harmonious aesthetic.
04
Composite materials are utilized for structural elements, enhancing durability and sustainability.
05
Interiors feature seamless transitions between public and private spaces, fostering a sense of openness.

## Analytical Report on Mu Hotel Project, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

### Overview

Mu Hotel is situated on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, reflecting a contemporary architectural approach aimed at redefining the hotel experience. The design emphasizes the interaction of space, light, water, and nature, striving for a coherent environment that encapsulates fluid, organic forms. This initiative seeks to create an engaging journey within the hotel structure, fostering a connection between occupants and their surroundings.

### Conceptual Framework and Experience Design

The hotel’s design is founded on biomimicry principles, drawing inspiration from natural growth patterns, specifically the reproductive mechanisms of spores. Utilizing generative design algorithms, the architecture simulates organic forms to create spaces that resonate with nature. This "Inside the Experience" theme integrates external and internal environments, promoting wellness and sensory engagement while enhancing the luxury experience. The thoughtful arrangement of natural elements throughout the hotel encourages an immersive atmosphere that connects guests to the natural world.

### Material and Structural Innovation

The structural composition of Mu Hotel features a dual-layer dome design that optimizes aesthetics and functionality. Key materials include:

- **Glass:** Facilitates transparency and light diffusion, connecting indoor and outdoor areas effectively.
- **Plastic:** Provides lightweight flexibility in inner structural elements.
- **Water-blade Surfaces:** Spanning 7,000 m², these features serve both decorative and functional roles, enhancing climate control and contributing to a tranquil ambiance.
- **Composite Materials:** Support structural integrity and sustainability, fostering self-sufficient building practices.

The architectonic elements exhibit a peerless self-supporting design, marked by continuous lines that mimic natural forms and movements, enhancing spatial organization. Strategic inclusion of natural ventilation promotes airflow, while transparent components enable dynamic light interplay within the space. Additionally, the integration of extensive water features addresses aesthetic and climatic needs, ensuring environmental responsiveness. The fluid design encourages adaptability, and sustainable practices, including renewable energy and efficient water management systems, affirm the project’s commitment to ecological considerations.

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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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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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