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Modular Flexibility and Dark Glass Facade With Sustainable Living Solutions

Authors:
Yasser Abdelfatah, Mohamed Attia, Khaled Attia, Mohammed Shaalan
Modular Flexibility and Dark Glass Facade With Sustainable Living Solutions

Project in-detail

With a modular design that incorporates dark glass and black aluminum to enhance both aesthetics and environmental performance, the residence embodies flexibility and sustainability while providing a dynamic living space for families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for customizable spatial configurations based on homeowner needs.
02
Dark glass is strategically used to enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Black aluminum provides structural integrity and modern aesthetics in exterior finishes.
04
Sustainability is prioritized through low-maintenance materials suitable for the climate.
05
Flexible living spaces promote adaptability for evolving family dynamics and lifestyles.

### Overview
The project is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on a 450 square meter site, designed with a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement. The goal is to create a residence that reflects contemporary values and aspirations, integrating innovative architectural methodologies and materiality to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants.

### Modular Design Strategy
The design leverages a modular approach guided by the principles of the Golden Ratio, facilitating balance and harmony throughout the living spaces. Each standardized module incorporates pre-programmed systems for heating, cooling, lighting, and security, promoting ecological efficiency and user-friendliness. The flexibility of the layout allows homeowners to rearrange internal configurations as their needs change, ensuring a personalized living experience. This adaptability, combined with the potential for easy expansion or reduction of space, aligns with sustainability goals by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional construction.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration
A carefully curated palette of materials ensures both durability and modern aesthetics. The exterior features outdoor beige and gray paints that provide a neutral visual appeal. Dark glass elements enhance transparency, while black aluminum contributes to structural strength and a sleek exterior. These materials are selected not only for their visual impact but also for their performance in Dubai's climate, offering low maintenance and longevity. The design engages with its surroundings through extensive landscaping, reinforcing a connection with nature while maintaining a contemporary architectural expression.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Zoning
Strategic spatial organization is evident through the careful zoning of various functional areas, including gardens, parking, and living spaces. The open floor plans connect private and communal areas, fostering sociability while maintaining privacy. Elevation views showcase a dynamic interplay of materials and spatial volumes, with large windows that facilitate natural light and outward views. The exterior design balances aesthetic consideration with functional requirements, establishing a harmonious integration of the structure within its 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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