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Horizontal Shading Systems and Porotherm Walls Enhance Energy Efficiency in Dubai Residence

Author:
Joyal Paul
Horizontal Shading Systems and Porotherm Walls Enhance Energy Efficiency in Dubai Residence

Project in-detail

The integration of porotherm walls and a horizontal shading system allows for effective temperature regulation in a Dubai residence designed for family living, ensuring energy efficiency while responding to the region's harsh climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Porotherm walls provide superior thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption.
02
The horizontal shading system effectively mitigates direct sunlight, enhancing indoor comfort.
03
Open patio design facilitates natural ventilation while connecting interior and exterior spaces.
04
Landscaping integrates local vegetation to improve the microclimate around the residence.
05
The layout strategically separates communal and private areas for functional living spaces.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, this dwelling uniquely addresses the challenges imposed by the region's extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations. The design aims to enhance environmental sustainability while meeting the residential needs of its occupants. Emphasizing eco-conscious principles, the dwelling integrates innovative strategies to minimize energy consumption and provide comfortable living conditions throughout the year.

### Climate Responsiveness
The building's orientation and layout are strategically designed to optimize natural cross-ventilation and mitigate heat gain. By utilizing the prevailing summer winds from the south and southeast, the design effectively channels cool breezes into the living areas while shielding them from direct sunlight. Open patio spaces serve as transitional areas between indoors and outdoors, further protecting against excessive heat while promoting natural light and ventilation.

### Material Selection and Construction
Material choice is integral to the sustainability focus of the dwelling. The structure employs Porotherm brick for its excellent thermal insulation properties, complemented by gypsum plastering for improved energy efficiency and humidity control. Filler slabs contribute to reduced construction weight and costs, while a horizontal pivot shading system provides essential protection from the sun, minimizing heat gain. Additionally, landscaping elements are incorporated to enhance the aesthetic appeal and improve microclimate conditions around the residence.

### Spatial Organization
The dwelling features a thoughtful layout that fosters both social interaction and private retreat. The ground floor includes a majlis for guests, dining areas, an open kitchen, and a living space, all linked through an open patio that allows for flexible usage. On the first floor, private bedrooms are designed with attached bathrooms, ensuring convenience for family members while maintaining necessary privacy. The effective zoning of shared and private spaces enhances the functionality of the home, allowing for a harmonious family environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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