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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.

## Overview
Located in a desert environment of the UAE, this project merges traditional and contemporary architectural practices with a focus on sustainable living. The design reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for a modern family while maintaining harmony with the natural landscape. The architecture is informed by three archetypes—tree, wadi, and oasis—each representing key elements of life, connectivity, and community.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout is organized into distinct functional blocks: a residence block and a service block, designed to facilitate fluid movement while ensuring privacy. The ground floor features an open floor plan that connects shared and private spaces, including a Majlis for community gatherings and intimate bedrooms for family members. Integrated courtyards and gardens promote interaction with nature, enhancing livability while maintaining aesthetic integrity. The upper floor accommodates bedrooms along with a central roof garden, optimizing environmental engagement and allowing for flexible room configurations.

## Material Selection
The project emphasizes the careful selection of materials, supporting sustainability and energy efficiency. Limestone serves as a durable structural element, while a honeycomb wooden roof enhances ventilation and lightness. Glazed ceramic tiles are employed in the façade to provide privacy without sacrificing natural light. Additionally, honeycomb photovoltaic cells are integrated into the roof design to generate renewable energy, promoting self-sufficiency. This material palette not only contributes visually but also focuses on ecological performance, particularly in energy efficiency and passive cooling strategies.

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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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