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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.

### Overview

Located in Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai, the modu-home design project emphasizes sustainable living, community engagement, and adaptability within residential architecture. The initiative aims to reimagine traditional home concepts by incorporating advanced design technologies that cater to diverse user needs and environmental contexts.

### Participatory Design Approach

At the core of the project is the principle of democratization of design, wherein end-users are actively involved in the creation of their living spaces. This participatory approach employs iterative methodologies and tools such as Grasshopper, enabling modifications based on user feedback. The design process reflects a commitment to cultural relevance, recognizing the historical context of Dubai while integrating sustainable practices and modern innovation.

### Material and Environmental Responsiveness

The architectural strategy incorporates a diverse range of materials selected for both functional and aesthetic purposes, ensuring resilience against Dubai's climatic challenges. ETFE panels are employed for their energy efficiency, while local sustainable materials and traditional structural elements like concrete and masonry maintain a connection to the regional architectural vernacular. The design optimizes natural light and ventilation to foster a comfortable living environment, achieved through strategic orientation and the use of glass, which enhances the sense of openness within the home. Furthermore, the incorporation of local flora, including drought-resistant plants, helps regulate internal temperatures and promote ecological integration.

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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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