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Metal Screens and Courtyard Integration in Sustainable Concrete Family Living

Author:
Essa Ibrahim Mohamed Ali Basaeed
Metal Screens and Courtyard Integration in Sustainable Concrete Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular construction with metal screens and a central courtyard, this sustainable concrete residence enhances family connectivity while maintaining privacy, designed specifically for multi-generational living in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes metal mesh screens for enhanced privacy while allowing natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to foster communal interaction among family members.
03
Adopts a modular construction approach for efficient on-site assembly and future expansion.
04
Employs environmentally responsive design principles to reduce energy consumption.
05
Features a layout specifically tailored for multi-generational living dynamics.

## Overview

Located within the dynamic environment of the UAE, the project reflects a confluence of contemporary design and cultural values, emphasizing the importance of family and community in Emirati culture. The architectural intent centers on creating a living space that supports both privacy and communal interaction, tailored to accommodate extended family living under a unified roof. The design also incorporates a modular approach, allowing for flexibility and future expansions in response to changing demographics.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout features a central courtyard, serving as a communal hub that enhances natural airflow and light throughout the residence. The arrangement distinguishes spaces for private and shared activities, ensuring a balanced lifestyle for residents. En suite facilities cater to traditional family structures, while adaptable spaces are designed to accommodate modern living needs. Furthermore, the modular design aligns with transportation dimensions for efficient construction, promoting cost-effectiveness and precision.

## Materiality and Privacy Solutions

The material palette is carefully curated to enhance the building's visual identity and functionality. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, ensuring durability, while metal mesh screens provide ventilation and privacy. Large glass windows foster connectivity with the outdoors, promoting natural illumination. Landscape integration with courtyards creates a dialogue between built and natural environments, enriching livability. The façade employs both horizontal and vertical design elements to obscure views while allowing for air circulation, addressing both cultural and climatic factors prevalent in the region.

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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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