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Geopolymer Walls and 3D Printed Design Enhancing Sustainable Family Living

Authors:
Sebastian Eduardo Acevedo Paredes, Tom Loup Bardout, Thibaud Jean-claude Riolon
Geopolymer Walls and 3D Printed Design Enhancing Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing geopolymer walls and a 3D printed structure, this residential design reduces energy consumption and enhances thermal performance, creating a sustainable family living environment in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geopolymer walls reduce carbon footprint and improve thermal efficiency.
02
3D printing techniques minimize material waste during construction.
03
Mashrabiyya elements provide natural shading and enhance privacy.
04
Hollow vault bricks improve air circulation and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrated solar panels contribute to energy self-sufficiency.

## Overview

The TerraVilla project, located in the United Arab Emirates, addresses both energy consumption and environmental impact while catering to the specific needs of Emirati citizens. The design principle focuses on minimizing energy usage and employing advanced construction methodologies, specifically through 3D printing techniques. The intent is to create a self-sufficient residential environment that significantly reduces the energy and carbon footprint associated with typical household activities.

## Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The spatial configuration separates functional areas into distinct zones, with a service area located at the rear and the living space at the front, optimizing user privacy and enhancing overall efficiency. The central entrance serves as a vital connector, facilitating circulation between these areas. Interior design elements prioritize both communal interaction and private living, featuring a reception hall conducive to family gatherings, as well as terraces and green spaces that invite nature into the urban landscape, fostering social interaction among residents.

## Material and Technological Integration

TerraVilla employs innovative materials engineered for sustainability and performance. The use of geopolymer mortar for walls enhances thermal mass and insulation, while 3D printed double shell walls facilitate complex geometries and reduce waste during construction. Hollow vault bricks contribute to elegant ceiling designs that enhance natural ventilation. Furthermore, the strategic placement of solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems supports energy efficiency and water sustainability, integrating cutting-edge technologies to further reduce dependence on municipal resources.

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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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