Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Geometric Mashrabiya Screens and Sustainable Stonework in a Contemporary Villa Design

Geometric Mashrabiya Screens and Sustainable Stonework in a Contemporary Villa Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating geometric Mashrabiya screens and sustainable stonework, the design optimizes natural light and ventilation while creating a multifunctional living space tailored for family interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced stone to enhance sustainability and aesthetic continuity with the environment.
02
Features modular U-shaped layout to promote social interaction and efficient use of space.
03
Utilizes traditional Arabic Mashrabiya screens for privacy and passive ventilation strategies.
04
Integrates roof gardens designed to improve insulation and support biodiversity.
05
Incorporates solar panels to contribute to energy self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impact.

### Overview
Xylith Villa is situated in Dubai Creek Harbour, an area noted for its combination of urban and natural landscapes. The design aims to resonate with Dubai's architectural legacy while incorporating modern sustainable practices. Emphasizing a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, the villa serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, reflecting cultural history while prioritizing energy efficiency.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The villa employs a modular U-shaped layout, fostering social interaction among occupants and maximizing natural light and ventilation. Central to the design are courtyards that facilitate outdoor living and align with Middle Eastern cultural practices. Public and private spaces are distinct yet cohesive: the ground floor includes shared areas such as a Majlis and living room, while the upper levels feature private family quarters, each designed to connect with outdoor views.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Emphasizing local and sustainable materials, the villa integrates wood, stone, glass, and metal to enhance both aesthetics and performance. The local stone ensures durability, and the wooden elements introduce warmth. Glass features facilitate natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable strategies include roof gardens for insulation, solar panels for renewable energy, and rainwater catchment systems for efficient water management, all contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and promoting a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy