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Honeycomb Photovoltaics and Limestone Facade in Sustainable Desert Residence

Author:
Giovanni Polazzi
Honeycomb Photovoltaics and Limestone Facade in Sustainable Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Integrating honeycomb photovoltaic cells within a durable limestone façade, this residential design exemplifies sustainable living in a desert environment, providing both community interaction and private retreat for modern families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes honeycomb photovoltaic cells that optimize energy generation and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates a durable limestone façade for temperature regulation and local resilience.
03
Features multiple courtyards that enhance natural light and promote outdoor interaction.
04
Design inspired by traditional archetypes, emphasizing a connection to cultural roots.
05
Flexible layout accommodates both communal activities and private living spaces.
The architectural project known as the "House of the Future" is a residential design situated in a desert environment, aimed at providing a modern living solution for families in the UAE. This design successfully merges traditional cultural elements with contemporary functionality, showcasing a unique design approach that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. The project embodies a strategy rooted in ecological sensitivity and adaptive living, making it pertinent to the challenges presented by its geographic location.

Functional requirements are at the core of the design, with spaces dedicated to both community interaction and private living. The architectural layout consists of an arrangement of functional blocks, comprising both the residence and service amenities, allowing for a fluid transition between social and personal spaces. This structure highlights accessibility while ensuring privacy, critical in residential architecture.

Unique Aspects of the Design

One of the key features of the "House of the Future" is its conceptual inspiration derived from natural archetypes, specifically the tree, wadi, and oasis. These ideas guide the architectural form and the spatial organization within the design. The tree archetype represents shelter and resource provision, encouraging occupants to engage with the natural environment. The wadi archetype promotes connectivity among residents through its layout, while the oasis concept provides a focal point for communal and private areas.

Another noteworthy element is the material selection, which emphasizes local sustainability. The use of durable limestone, wooden elements, glazed ceramic tiles, and innovative honeycomb photovoltaic cells for energy generation reflects a commitment to ecological principles. These materials serve both structural and aesthetic purposes, ensuring the design is both environmentally responsible and visually appealing.

Spatial Organization and Interaction

The architectural design integrates various spatial elements to enhance functionality and comfort. The ground floor features an open plan that encourages interaction while delineating private spaces, such as bedrooms and the Majlis. Courtyards and gardens play a significant role in improving livability by fostering a direct connection to the outdoors and providing areas for relaxation and recreation.

On the upper floor, the placement of bedrooms alongside a central roof garden showcases effective use of space, offering both privacy and community engagement. Natural light penetration is maximized through the inclusion of skylights and strategically placed openings, lessening the reliance on artificial lighting and contributing to energy efficiency.

The combination of unique design approaches, including ecological materiality, cultural integration, and flexible spatial configurations, positions the "House of the Future" as a relevant example of contemporary residential architecture. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further to gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that make this project distinct in the current landscape of residential architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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