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Hexagonal Facade Constructed with ETFE Panels and Local Flora in a Flexible Community Home

Authors:
Maryam Saleem, Ahmad Sohail
Hexagonal Facade Constructed with ETFE Panels and Local Flora in a Flexible Community Home

Project in-detail

Constructed with a distinctive hexagonal facade of ETFE panels and integrated with local flora, the design offers adaptable living spaces that prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a lightweight ETFE facade that enhances solar performance.
02
Incorporates local plant species for improved ecological balance and aesthetics.
03
Features modular partitions that allow residents to customize interior layouts.
04
Designed with an emphasis on natural ventilation to optimize energy efficiency.
05
Integrates user feedback mechanisms for a participatory design process.
The modu-home architectural design project is a residential initiative located in Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This project represents a rethinking of how living spaces can adapt to user needs while integrating sustainable practices and technologies. The design response seeks to maximize environmental comfort, enhance community engagement, and allow for flexibility in living arrangements.

One of the key functions of modu-home is its adaptability in design. The architecture allows for personalized modifications, enabling residents to shape their living environment according to lifestyle choices. This functional versatility is achieved through an innovative floor plan that provides open spaces that can be reconfigured as needed, ensuring both privacy and communal interaction.

The overarching design employs a facade characterized by hexagonal panels constructed from energy-efficient ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene). This material choice contributes to lightweight structural advantages while providing thermal benefits essential for the climate in Dubai. As a result, the building efficiently regulates temperature and reduces reliance on mechanical cooling, aligning the project with sustainable architecture principles.

The interior spaces are oriented to maximize natural lighting and ventilation, making the residences more energy-efficient and pleasant to inhabit. Residents benefit from an open layout, complemented by customizable partitions that offer the flexibility to alter room configurations based on personal requirements. The integration of natural elements, such as local plant species, enhances the biophilic qualities of the design, promoting a connection to the surrounding environment.

The emphasis on community engagement sets this project apart from conventional residential designs. Future inhabitants are encouraged to participate actively in the design process, resulting in homes that resonate with personal values and local culture. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and belonging, creating stronger community bonds.

Unique to the modu-home project is its focus on sustainability and user interaction. Rather than adhering to rigid architectural standards, the design process integrates feedback mechanisms through advanced technologies, allowing for real-time modifications. This creates homes that not only respond to environmental conditions but also reflect the diversity of occupant lifestyles.

To delve further into the intricate details of the modu-home project, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design elements, consider exploring the presentation materials, which provide a comprehensive view into this thoughtful approach to modern living spaces.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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