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Lattice Screens and Sustainable Concrete Formations in Modular Community Living

Authors:
Enrico Maria Daffonchio, Ayesha Cachalia, Robert Dos Santos, Lc Ullrich , Setapo Moloi
Lattice Screens and Sustainable Concrete Formations in Modular Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing lattice screens and energy-efficient concrete, this modular living solution integrates sustainable design with communal spaces, enhancing the residential experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features modular units that allow for future expansion to accommodate growing families.
02
Incorporates lattice screens for enhanced ventilation and privacy while maintaining natural light.
03
Uses sustainable concrete that minimizes environmental impact during construction.
04
Includes integrated rainwater collection systems to promote resource efficiency.
05
Design draws inspiration from traditional Barjeel structures to optimize airflow and cooling.

### Overview

Located in a climate-suitable region, Hayat Living Villas integrates modern design with traditional architectural elements reflective of the local culture. The development aims to create a balance between individual expression and community cohesion, achieved through a modular design framework. This approach not only promotes customization for residents but also fosters a collective community identity.

### Design Strategy

The architectural layout consists of interlocking L-shaped volumes, effectively blending with the surrounding landscape. This configuration encourages interaction between public and private spaces, culminating in a central courtyard or garden area that serves both as a focal point and a communal gathering space. Flexibility is key, as the design allows for various unit sizes and configurations, accommodating diverse family dynamics and lifestyles. Transitional spaces enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor areas, further enriching the residential experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials in Hayat Living Villas is aimed at ensuring both aesthetic appeal and environmental efficiency. Durable concrete provides structural support, while lattice screens offer privacy and shade, made from composite materials that enhance thermal performance. Wood accents add warmth to communal areas, complemented by eco-friendly fabrics used for shading and natural ventilation.

Sustainability is integral to the project, featuring photovoltaic textiles that lower energy consumption alongside rainwater collection systems. Smart technologies are employed for resource management, promoting efficient consumption within the community. Additionally, interconnected green spaces facilitate social interaction, steering residents toward pedestrian pathways and away from vehicular access.

### User Experience and Health Considerations

The project emphasizes an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, where accessible gardens and courtyards encourage residents to engage with their environment. Floor plans are designed for versatility, allowing common areas to adapt to different functions while ensuring privacy through landscaped courtyards. The overall design promotes a healthy living environment, adhering to WELL Certification standards that focus on air quality and residential comfort.

Traditional architectural influences, such as the Barjeel windcatcher design, highlight a commitment to cultural heritage while employing natural ventilation techniques to mitigate the effects of a hot climate.

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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
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