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Modular Community Spaces Enhanced by Sustainable Concrete and Dynamic Facade Design

Authors:
Omar Darwish, Salama Obaid Mohamed Ibrahim Alhammadi, Kevin Lewis Mitchell, Salma Hani Mubarak Ali, Salma Hani Mubarak Ali
Modular Community Spaces Enhanced by Sustainable Concrete and Dynamic Facade Design

Project in-detail

Modular design combined with a sustainable concrete structure and cultural entry points creates a flexible living environment tailored for communal family interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for seamless expansion as family needs change.
02
Cultural entry points cater to traditional communal living practices.
03
Green spaces are integrated throughout to enhance social interactions.
04
Thermal insulation strategies improve energy efficiency and comfort.
05
Innovative facade design incorporates adjustable shading to regulate sunlight.

### Overview
Located in a context that emphasizes family growth and adaptability, the Naseej project redefines contemporary residential living. The design intent centers around creating spaces that respond to changing family dynamics, recognizing the need for homes that can evolve alongside their occupants. This initiative incorporates communal living and shared spaces to enhance social interaction among residents, thereby fostering a sense of community.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Focus
The architectural layout consists of multiple residential units arranged in clusters that balance individual privacy with communal interaction. Designed to promote a sense of belonging, the spatial organization includes strategically placed open areas that serve as venues for social engagement. Notably, the ground floor layout is optimized for both funcionality and future expansion, allowing units to adapt by incorporating additional rooms or multipurpose spaces as family needs change.

### Material Selection and Climate Responsiveness
Materials chosen for the project prioritize durability, energy efficiency, and thermal performance, addressing the local climate requirements effectively. Key materials include cast-in-situ concrete for structural integrity, extensive use of glass for natural light and visual access to outdoor areas, and rigid insulation to enhance energy efficiency. The façade design incorporates louvers that provide shading while fostering ventilation, and the entrance design reflects cultural sensitivities, offering separate access for men and women in accordance with traditional practices. This thoughtful selection of materials and design elements creates a contemporary aesthetic while supporting the overall functionality and sustainability of the residential environment.

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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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