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Modular Design With Local Clay and Cedar Enhancing Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Alvaro Gonzalez-onieva Olaso, Laura Hernandez Ramos
Modular Design With Local Clay and Cedar Enhancing Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Characterized by its modular design utilizing local clay and cedar, the scheme promotes sustainable community living through adaptable housing solutions tailored for diverse family structures.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced clay and cedar, reducing transportation impact.
02
Incorporates modular design, allowing for flexible adaptation to family needs.
03
Features shared gardens and communal spaces to enhance community interaction.
04
Implements passive cooling strategies for energy efficiency in Dubai's climate.
05
Integrates recycled materials to minimize construction waste and promote sustainability.

### Overview

KHALIA is an architectural project located in Dubai that addresses contemporary housing challenges while integrating sustainable practices with cultural elements. The design synthesizes traditional building methodologies and modern technology, resulting in a residential community that aims to embody the region's identity and aspirations for greener living.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Orientation

The project employs a modular design approach that allows for flexibility in accommodating various family sizes and lifestyles. This adaptability fosters coherence and visual continuity throughout the community. Spatial analysis indicates an emphasis on communal living, with shared yards and central gardens designed to encourage interaction among residents. By incorporating interior courts, the design not only maximizes natural light but also facilitates passive cooling, thereby enhancing the overall comfort of the living spaces.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's environmental ethos. Locally-sourced materials, such as clay for wall construction and cedar wood for structural elements, reflect both cultural authenticity and sustainability. Additionally, the use of recycled and upcycled materials, including systems for graywater recycling, minimizes construction waste and promotes resource efficiency. The design prioritizes energy-efficient solutions, integrating solar panels and passive design strategies to address the arid climate of Dubai while reducing the ecological footprint of the community.

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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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