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Mashrabiyya Screens and Glulam Timber Create Adaptive Living Spaces in Sustainable Design

Author:
Saumya Ganguli
Mashrabiyya Screens and Glulam Timber Create Adaptive Living Spaces in Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating retractable Mashrabiyya screens and glulam timber, the design adapts to environmental conditions while providing a functional space for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable Mashrabiyya screens adjust to changing weather for enhanced ventilation and privacy.
02
Glulam timber provides structural strength while reducing overall carbon footprint.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management.
04
Internal courtyards foster natural light and a connection to outdoor spaces.
05
Smart home technology enables efficient energy use and customizable living environments.

## Project Overview

The House of the Future (Hof) is situated in a residential suburb of the UAE, designed as a prototype that merges traditional architectural elements with modern technology. The intent is to redefine living spaces by emphasizing sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic coherence, fostering a modern interpretation of historical architectural practices.

## Spatial Strategy and Flexibility

The design prioritizes adaptable spatial configurations, with an open layout that allows for dynamic uses. Multi-functional spaces can be adjusted according to climatic conditions and user needs, providing flexibility for both private and communal activities. Internal courtyards are integrated to enhance communal interaction and connectivity with the outdoor environment, creating an immersive living experience.

## Materiality and Energy Efficiency

The project employs a diverse range of sustainable materials, including glulam timber for structural elements, which provides strength while preserving an organic aesthetic. Laminated boards featured in the Mashrabiyya promote privacy and airflow, while advanced glazing systems enhance insulation and daylight management.

Energy-efficient strategies are central to the design, incorporating thermal massing to regulate indoor temperatures and utilizing natural ventilation techniques through wind catchers. Additionally, smart home technology enables remote management of energy consumption and environmental controls, enhancing user experience and comfort.

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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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