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GRC Panels and Green Walls Enhance Modern Family Living in Desert Climate

Author:
Domingo Del Cristo Perez Sanchez
GRC Panels and Green Walls Enhance Modern Family Living in Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Constructed with GRC panels and integrated green walls, this modern residence adapts to its desert setting while providing an inviting space for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using lightweight cellular concrete blocks for enhanced thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates a traditional Majlis space to reflect local cultural values.
03
Features integrated green wall panels for natural cooling and air purification.
04
Utilizes solar panels to promote renewable energy efficiency.
05
Design enables flexible room configurations to adapt to changing family needs.

## Overview

The project is situated in a desert region, emphasizing considerations for natural cooling and shading in response to the climate. The design prioritizes sustainability, flexibility, and cultural reflection, integrating outdoor areas to enhance the overall user experience. The architecture embodies modern simplicity while providing functional spaces that align with residents' lifestyles, ensuring a commitment to their comfort and well-being.

## Spatial Configuration

The building features a two-story layout that delineates communal and private zones. The ground floor comprises service areas, living spaces, and outdoor entertainment features. Key elements include an entrance hall flooded with natural light, a Majlis designed for social gatherings, and an open-plan kitchen that connects seamlessly with dining and living areas. The inclusion of flexible spaces allows for adaptability, enabling rooms to merge or separate according to user needs. A private outdoor area features a rectangular water pond, contributing to the overall tranquility of the environment.

The upper floor incorporates a master bedroom suite with private bathing facilities, a family area conducive to relaxation, and balconies that enhance outdoor enjoyment. Each space is meticulously organized to promote interaction while maintaining privacy.

## Material and Environmental Strategies

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and aesthetic appeal. Cellular concrete blocks (AAC) offer thermal insulation and fire resistance, while extensive glazing enhances natural light and visual connections to the outdoors. External aluminum panels provide shading and decorative elements, contributing to energy efficiency alongside green wall panels that integrate vegetation for natural cooling.

The design emphasizes natural ventilation and lighting, with strategically placed double-height spaces and windows that optimize cross-ventilation, thus minimizing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and water recycling systems, have been integrated to further underscore the project's sustainability initiatives. The landscape design prioritizes green zones with strategically placed vegetation to enhance shade and air quality while fostering outdoor community interactions through features like fire pits and seating.

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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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