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Fluid Forms and Sustainable Materials in a Contemporary Desert Residence

Author:
Mai Ali Hassan Mohammed Hassan
Fluid Forms and Sustainable Materials in a Contemporary Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms crafted from glass and concrete seamlessly integrate with sustainable design elements in a luxurious villa that serves as a private oasis in the Dubai desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid exterior curves enhance energy efficiency by optimizing natural light and reducing heat absorption.
02
Integrated solar panels provide significant energy independence for the villa.
03
Greywater recycling systems support sustainable landscape irrigation and minimize water waste.
04
Custom furniture pieces mirror the villa's organic forms, maintaining a cohesive design narrative.
05
Native plant landscaping reduces maintenance needs while blending harmoniously with the desert environment.

## Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the "Desert Wave" villa represents a fusion of modern architectural design and sustainable practices. Drawing inspiration from fluid forms found in nature, the villa integrates seamlessly into its arid landscape, reflecting the desert's delicate beauty while addressing the functional needs of its inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The villa features a thoughtfully organized spatial layout across three levels. The ground floor includes communal spaces such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen, designed with an open-plan concept to encourage interaction and movement. Expansive glass panels provide unobstructed views of the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of connection with nature. The first floor houses private living areas, including bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms that continue the villa's fluid design language. On the roof level, additional bedrooms offer panoramic vistas of the Dubai skyline, complemented by a terrace garden that serves as a tranquil retreat within the urban setting.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction emphasizes the use of sustainable and innovative materials. A robust concrete framework ensures long-lasting integrity, while extensive use of glass in reflective panels limits solar heat gain, optimizing natural light. Green wall systems enhance thermal performance and air quality, while native landscaping minimizes water usage. Notable sustainable features include solar panels for energy efficiency, a greywater recycling system for landscape irrigation, and smart home technology for efficient climate control. The interior design incorporates custom furniture and advanced lighting systems, blending functionality with aesthetic continuity throughout the villa's various spaces. Luxurious bathrooms are designed as serene sanctuaries, utilizing high-end materials and sculptural forms to create a contemporary, relaxing atmosphere.

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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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