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Modular Home Featuring Thermo-Shield Roofing and Sustainable Glass Facades
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With a modular structure incorporating thermo-shield roofing and extensive glazing for natural light, the residence enhances efficiency while providing a comfortable home for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy scalability and customization.
02
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to enhance sustainability.
03
Extensive use of thermal insulation materials to optimize energy efficiency.
04
Strategically placed glass elements maximize natural light and connectivity to nature.
05
Balconies extend living spaces, promoting outdoor engagement.

### Overview and Context
Sun Villa, located in Dubai, is designed to address the evolving residential needs of Emirati citizens by combining modern aesthetics with sustainable construction methods. The villa adopts a modular structure that emphasizes energy efficiency and scalability, positioning it as a significant contribution to contemporary residential design within an urban context. The architectural concept reflects the vibrant character of Dubai while respecting traditional Emirati culture.

### Spatial Organization and Flow
The two-story villa encompasses a total area of 293 square meters, efficiently organizing communal and private spaces. The ground floor features essential areas such as the foyer, an open kitchen, dining, and family living spaces, all designed with large glass doors that connect the interiors to the outdoor garden. A skylit entrance enhances the fluidity of the layout, while designated functional zones—including an office, maid’s quarters, and accessible bathrooms—contribute to overall livability.

The first floor incorporates two ensuite bedrooms, each offering privacy and comfort, along with a family lounge that functions as a central gathering space. Balconies extend the living areas outdoors, providing views of the surrounding landscape. The design encourages interaction among family members while maintaining a clear definition between public and private realms.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The villa’s exterior is constructed with cement board or wood-plastic composites and light gauge steel frames, providing a durable outer shell. The roofing incorporates Thermo-shield® technology for enhanced thermal regulation, while layers of rock wool insulation contribute to energy conservation. Interior finishes feature gypsum board, offering an aesthetically pleasing and smooth surface.

Sustainability is prioritized through several features: solar panels are integrated into the roof for optimal energy efficiency, strategically positioned windows maximize natural light, and a rainwater harvesting system reduces reliance on municipal water supplies. Low-water consumption fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens further minimize waste, reinforcing the villa's commitment to environmental responsibility.

### Interior Design and Aesthetic
The interior spaces exemplify minimalism and functionality, characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and a light color palette. Floating staircases serve as a notable architectural element, ensuring visual connectivity between floors. An open-plan layout connects the kitchen and dining areas, enhanced by high ceilings that promote an airy atmosphere. Extensive glass features facilitate views and abundant natural light, strengthening the connection between the occupants and the surrounding environment.

### Unique Design Attributes
The villa's modular construction approach allows for streamlined building processes and enhanced quality control while minimizing waste and construction time. This method, combined with the project’s architectural homage to Emirati heritage, articulates a balance between modern design and cultural identity. Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies for solar energy and water management establishes Sun Villa as a proactive model of sustainability in residential architecture.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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