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Masonry Vaults and Recycled Concrete Shaping A Community-Centric Residence

Authors:
Ho Yin Tang, Tin Shun Jonathan But
Masonry Vaults and Recycled Concrete Shaping A Community-Centric Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating masonry vaults and recycled concrete to enhance thermal performance, this residence serves as a community-focused living space that elegantly balances traditional Emirati design with modern sustainability practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Masonry vaults enhance natural ventilation and daylight while improving energy efficiency.
02
Recycled concrete reduces material waste and lowers the environmental impact of construction.
03
Aluminum mashrabiya screens provide traditional shading and privacy in a modern context.
04
A multi-functional roof garden supports local biodiversity and urban greening initiatives.
05
3D-printed components streamline construction and allow for customized architectural features.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the D.E.F.G. (Domus of Emirati Future Generation) project integrates sustainable architectural practices with traditional Emirati design principles. The intent is to create a residential prototype that responds to both the climatic conditions and cultural heritage of the region. This initiative seeks to balance contemporary living environments with the contextual nuances of Emirati identity, thereby establishing a coherent architectural language that addresses modern needs while honoring historical traditions.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of D.E.F.G. features a mixed-use layout conducive to family interaction and social engagement. The ground floor is designed with interconnected volumes that include a *majliss*, living areas, kitchen, and outdoor terraces, facilitating fluid movement among residents and visitors. The upper floor is dedicated to private quarters, prioritizing privacy and functionality for its occupants. Key spaces include the *majliss*, which serves as a communal gathering area to strengthen social ties, and an accessible roof garden that provides a multifunctional green space enhancing urban living.

### Materiality and Environmental Performance

D.E.F.G. employs a deliberate selection of materials, combining both traditional and contemporary elements to reflect sustainable design principles. Recycled concrete serves as a primary structural material, while 3D-printed elements reduce material waste and ease construction processes. Aluminum mashrabiya screens reinterpret traditional shading techniques, ensuring visual privacy and climate adaptability. The use of natural stone aids in thermal performance, contributing to the building's environmental efficiency.

Architectural features designed for passive cooling include aerodynamic vaults that facilitate airflow and promote comfort, and wind catchers that enhance natural ventilation. The strategic integration of roof-mounted solar panels supports energy sustainability and emphasizes the project's commitment to environmentally responsible architecture.

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

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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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