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Geothermal Courtyards Enveloped in Photovoltaic Textiles and Natural Greenery

Authors:
Alessandra Giovanna Paola Ubertazzi, Anton Shturma, Tomas Kedhi
Geothermal Courtyards Enveloped in Photovoltaic Textiles and Natural Greenery

Project in-detail

Integrated photovoltaic textiles and geothermal systems create a sustainable living environment that centers around private courtyards, enhancing community interaction while promoting energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated photovoltaic textiles provide dynamic shading while generating energy for the residence.
02
Geothermal systems maintain thermal comfort, significantly reducing energy consumption.
03
Private courtyards enhance community interactions and promote natural ventilation.
04
Hydroponic green walls improve indoor air quality and connectivity to nature.
05
Insulated concrete forms optimize insulation and structural performance in the design.

### Overview

Located in a region influenced by traditional Middle Eastern architecture, the project emphasizes the creation of a sustainable living environment through modern practices. The design aims to foster community living while drawing connections to cultural significance, focusing on the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces and passive design strategies to enhance resident comfort.

### Spatial Organization

The residential layout features private courtyards that serve as central hubs for social interaction and environmental comfort. The organization of spaces is systematic, categorizing areas into defined zones: private bedrooms for relaxation, communal active zones for gatherings, and private living spaces for intimate meetings. This thoughtful arrangement enhances accessibility and flow, facilitating a cohesive living experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Attention to materiality plays a critical role in the project’s sustainability efforts. Key materials include insulated concrete forms (ICF) for thermal performance, photovoltaic textiles in the roofing system for energy generation and shading, and geothermal pumps for efficient heating and cooling. Additionally, hydroponic green walls contribute to aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, promoting better indoor air quality and temperature regulation. These selections align with local design traditions while optimizing energy efficiency and ecological impact.

The integration of movable photovoltaic textiles allows residents to dynamically adjust shading in response to sunlight, promoting comfort while minimizing glare and heat. The overall design incorporates biophilic principles, fostering a connection with nature through green spaces that enhance well-being and establish a nurturing 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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