Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Lattice Screens and Bronze Elements Enhancing Thermal Comfort in Contemporary Residential Design

Authors:
Melvin Miah W Chia, Izzati Hazmira Md Razi
Lattice Screens and Bronze Elements Enhancing Thermal Comfort in Contemporary Residential Design

Project in-detail

Crafted with intricate lattice screens and bronze accents, the design utilizes passive cooling strategies to create a comfortable family dwelling that harmonizes modern living with cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional *mashrabiya* screens to enhance privacy while allowing natural light penetration.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a flat roof designed for future expansions and green roof opportunities.
04
Employs thermal mass through masonry construction to regulate indoor temperatures.
05
Integrates indoor water features for evaporative cooling benefits in a hot climate.

### Overview

Located within an urban context in the Emirates, the Veil House integrates contemporary architecture with traditional Emirati elements, reflecting an intention to create a serene living environment. This design addresses the region's climatic and cultural conditions through a careful selection of materials and a strategic layout that fosters a comfortable habitat for its occupants. Key aspects of the design include the incorporation of a *mashrabiya* layer, which enhances privacy and thermal performance while linking the structure to its cultural heritage.

### Materials and Thermal Performance

The facade employs a palette of ceramic tiles, bronze-toned anodized metal, and timber to create an inviting aesthetic characteristic of Emirati architecture. The *mashrabiya* panels not only contribute to the visual appeal but also significantly improve the building's thermal performance by facilitating passive cooling. The basement, constructed from masonry, acts as a natural thermal insulator, stabilizing the indoor climate by maintaining a cooler environment than the upper levels. This layered approach to materiality supports both comfort and sustainability within the design.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Layout

The Veil House is organized around a central triple-height void, which enhances both airflow and natural light penetration, optimizing the indoor atmosphere through a cross-ventilation strategy. The interior features open-concept spaces that include formal and informal dining areas, a family lounge, and a kitchen, all designed to promote social interaction. The integration of greenery throughout the design enhances the sense of tranquility and connection to nature, while the adaptable flat roof allows for future expansions or green roof installations, addressing the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Multi-generational living spaces are incorporated to accommodate diverse family structures, ensuring long-term relevance and functional integrity.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy