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Integrating Natural Light With Travertine And Glass In A Modern Family Residence

Author:
Faizan Tariq
Integrating Natural Light With Travertine And Glass In A Modern Family Residence

Project in-detail

With a distinctive blend of travertine and expansive glass elements, the residence achieves comprehensive natural light integration while delivering functional spaces for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a double-height lobby to enhance spatial experience and natural light.
02
Utilizes travertine at the entry for durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features expansive glass walls for seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.
04
Includes flexible space designs to adapt to evolving family needs.
05
Integrates sustainable elements like solar energy systems for efficiency.

**Overview**

Situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future occupies a plot area of 450 square meters, comprising a built area of 294 square meters. The design intent combines historical and cultural influences with contemporary architecture, promoting a dialogue between the past and modern living. The structure emphasizes a harmonious relationship with its social context while adapting to the nuances of current lifestyle demands.

**Spatial Organization**

The project features a distinct spatial layout that prioritizes functionality and connectivity. A prominent entryway leads to a double-height lobby that serves as a gallery, allowing natural light to permeate the space through a large fixed window. The ground floor is structured to facilitate interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, with garden views accessible from key living areas. The design delineates zones for guests, bedrooms, and private family spaces, promoting both privacy and openness while optimizing natural light and ventilation throughout.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

A thoughtful selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Concrete provides structural integrity, while travertine enhances the lobby's exterior with natural beauty and durability. Large glass windows and doors promote transparency, connecting occupants with the surrounding environment. Metal accents and stone cladding contribute both modernity and textured warmth, while wood finishes offer a traditional touch.

Sustainability features include strategically placed windows and skylights for natural light optimization, as well as provisions for water storage and solar energy systems. The design anticipates future adaptability, allowing for the potential horizontal expansion of the second floor, thus minimizing disruption to the existing structure. Additionally, the integration of fluid indoor spaces encourages family interaction and social engagement, reinforcing the home’s connection to both inhabitants and its natural surroundings.

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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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