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Modular Family Residences Featuring Traditional Mashrabiya and Sustainable Precast Concrete Design

Author:
Jessica Pierre Abou Haidar
Modular Family Residences Featuring Traditional Mashrabiya and Sustainable Precast Concrete Design

Project in-detail

Combining traditional Mashrabiya screens with modular precast concrete units, the design offers customizable living spaces that respond to sustainable practices while serving as contemporary family residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes modular precast concrete assemblies for rapid construction.
02
Incorporates traditional Mashrabiya screens for cultural context and ventilation.
03
Features customizable layouts to adapt to varying family needs.
04
Integrates solar panels and rainwater harvesting for sustainability.
05
Designed with extensive outdoor spaces to enhance connection with nature.

## Overview

Be'iti is a residential project located in the UAE, designed around the principles of modularity and sustainability. The intent is to redefine home design by presenting customizable living spaces that respond not only to individual preferences but also to the specific climatic and cultural contexts of the region. The project emphasizes personal ownership and connection to living environments, with design elements that draw from local aesthetics and modern efficiency.

## Modular Configuration

The architectural layout consists of modular units that allow for flexible configurations to accommodate diverse family needs. Each module functions as a self-standing structure, facilitating easy transportation and assembly on-site. The design ensures an organized gross area across two main floors, featuring distinct modules tailored for living, sleeping, cooking, and outdoor activities. This spatial strategy promotes open, multifunctional spaces while preserving privacy, enabling both social interaction and personal retreat.

## Sustainable Design Strategies

The project incorporates several sustainable features aimed at minimizing environmental impact. Renewable energy systems, including solar panels on the roofs, harness solar energy to power the residence. Passive cooling techniques, such as the stack effect and strategically placed openings, effectively manage airflow and temperature, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. Additionally, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems demonstrates a commitment to ecological responsibility. The use of high-performance glazing, precast reinforced concrete, and traditional Mashrabiya screens contributes to energy efficiency while ensuring comfort and aesthetic resonance with cultural heritage.

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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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