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Marble Interiors and Mashrabiya Screens in a Sustainable Tropical Residence

Author:
Damiano Cappellari
Marble Interiors and Mashrabiya Screens in a Sustainable Tropical Residence

Project in-detail

Crafted with marble finishes and shaded by intricate mashrabiya screens, the residence seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces while addressing the demands of sustainable tropical living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for shading and privacy while allowing airflow.
02
Utilizes triple-glazed aluminum windows to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
03
Features a rooftop photovoltaic system for sustainable energy generation.
04
Integrates natural stone finishes for a cohesive connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes a dedicated ventilation tower to promote natural air circulation throughout the space.

### Project Overview

The design is situated in a region characterized by warm and humid climatic conditions, likely influenced by coastal or subtropical environments. Reflecting both contemporary living and cultural aesthetics, the project integrates traditional architectural principles with modern needs, focusing on a balance of form and function.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout prioritizes openness and connectivity with nature, facilitating an interactive living environment. Ground-level social spaces are designed to flow into outdoor areas, featuring large windows for natural light and cross-ventilation. The organization of the space is segmented into distinct zones: private quarters, guest areas, and service functions, enhancing accessibility and ease of movement. This zoning is further complemented by an elevation strategy that maintains privacy while offering views of the surrounding landscape.

#### Materiality and Sustainability

The project's material palette plays a crucial role in defining its aesthetic and functional qualities. Reinforced concrete offers structural stability, while marble interiors provide an elegant finish. The extensive use of glass enhances transparency and fosters a visual connection with the outdoors. Aluminum frames with triple glazing maximize thermal efficiency. Additionally, traditional Mashrabiya screens serve both functional and cultural roles, offering shade while paying homage to architectural heritage.

Sustainability is addressed through the implementation of a rooftop photovoltaic system for solar energy collection and a rainwater harvesting strategy. Passive cooling techniques utilizing natural materials further underscore the commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring the design remains responsive to ecological considerations.

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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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