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Fluid Tent Structures with Passive Cooling Features and Multi-Level Green Spaces

Authors:
Vahid Parhoodeh, Manoochehr Shamsaei Motlagh Kashani
Fluid Tent Structures with Passive Cooling Features and Multi-Level Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Featuring fluid tent-like structures and an advanced X-Pipe cooling system, this design integrates multi-level gardens and natural materials to create a sustainable family residence in the Dubai landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid tent-like structures enhance spatial dynamism and adaptability.
02
An advanced X-Pipe cooling system minimizes energy consumption.
03
Multi-level gardens provide climate-sensitive landscaping and green space.
04
Local natural materials, including charred wood, ensure environmental harmony.
05
Oasis-themed gathering areas promote community interaction and connection.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future exemplifies a synthesis of contemporary living with a deep respect for the local cultural and environmental context. The design merges traditional Emirati values with advanced technologies, aiming to create a cohesive living experience that is both functional and contextually relevant. This architectural endeavor recognizes the significant role of family and heritage, emphasizing the need for spaces that foster generational connections.

### Cultural and Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates elements inspired by local traditions and familial structures, presenting a unique interpretation that likens the architecture to clothing—viewing the house as a dress. This metaphor encapsulates themes of movement and comfort, reflecting the fluidity valued in Arab culture. The layout includes dedicated spaces for family members at various life stages, underlining the importance of continuity and heritage.

Soft, organic forms characterize the house, drawing inspiration from the fluidity of sand dunes and the natural desert landscape. Interconnected tent-like structures create visually dynamic spaces, while multi-storey gardens enhance biodiversity and address the challenges posed by the arid environment. Social oases within the layout encourage community interaction, integrating natural elements into the living space.

### Technical Innovations and Materiality

Innovative cooling solutions enhance energy efficiency throughout the design. The application of the X-Pipe rule introduces air jets that cool exterior surfaces using natural wind currents, thus reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Additionally, a rooftop wind catcher pond serves a dual function of aesthetic enhancement and passive cooling, facilitating a comfortable internal climate through evaporation.

The material selection emphasizes sustainability and local relevance. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while lightweight composite fabrics used in the tent-like structures ensure insulation and visual fluidity. High-performance glass allows for abundant natural light while minimizing heat gain, and the incorporation of natural stone and timber fosters a connection to the surrounding environment, contributing to a warm, inviting interior.

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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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