Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Hemp Facade and Solar Integration in a Contemporary Family Residence in Dubai

Author:
Victoria Marie M Thiteux
Hemp Facade and Solar Integration in a Contemporary Family Residence in Dubai

Project in-detail

A hemp-based facade and integrated solar panels define a contemporary family residence in Dubai, combining sustainable materials with functional design to create a private yet connected living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hemp-based facade provides superior insulation and sustainability.
02
Integrated solar panels generate renewable energy for the residence.
03
Natural stone elements enhance the home’s connection to its landscape.
04
Separate entrances for family and service ensure privacy and efficiency.
05
Central terrace fosters outdoor communal living in a desert environment.

### Overview

Tomorrow's Oasis is a single-family residence situated in Dubai, designed to reflect Emirati cultural values while incorporating contemporary sustainability principles. Covering 340 square meters over two stories, the architecture establishes a dialogue with its desert surroundings and prioritizes a harmonious relationship between indoor living spaces and the natural environment.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout promotes both privacy and community interaction, essential to Emirati family life. The ground floor features a dual entrance system, which preserves family privacy and facilitates staff management. A spacious hallway connects communal areas, including an expansive living room and dining area (Majlis) that are bathed in natural light due to large windows that frame views of the outdoor gardens. Additionally, a pantry/scullery room provides service efficiency, ensuring that family gatherings are undisturbed by kitchen activities.

On the first floor, four bedrooms are organized around a central terrace, fostering family connectivity while providing private spaces for rest. Each bedroom includes en-suite facilities, catering to modern living standards. The terrace offers a communal outdoor area for relaxation, reinforcing family ties.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies

The selection of materials in Tomorrow's Oasis reflects a commitment to sustainability. A hemp-based façade offers insulation while presenting an eco-friendly profile, complemented by recycled plaster for interior finishes. Solar panels are installed on the roof, contributing to energy independence and reduced carbon emissions. Natural stone and timber used in flooring and furnishings enhance the aesthetic while promoting a connection to organic forms.

Environmental considerations are central to the design, incorporating heat pumps for efficient energy management and passive cooling techniques such as overhangs and thermal massing. This approach minimizes reliance on mechanical systems and underscores the residence's ecological responsibility. The fusion of traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern minimalist design creates a unique living environment that respects local customs while addressing contemporary needs.

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
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