Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Modular Home Integrating Wool Insulation and Low-Emissivity Glass in Urban Context

Author:
Laura De Micheli
Modular Home Integrating Wool Insulation and Low-Emissivity Glass in Urban Context

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular construction techniques and low-emissivity glass, this villa in Dubai seamlessly integrates natural wool insulation while promoting sustainable living within its open-plan residential layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular system that allows for easy future expansions.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for enhanced sustainability.
03
Features low-emissivity glass to improve thermal efficiency.
04
Utilizes natural wool insulation for reduced environmental impact.
05
Integrates landscaped outdoor spaces to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.

## Project Overview
ModHome is a contemporary villa situated in Dubai, an evolving urban landscape noted for its architectural advancements. The design prioritizes modular architecture, focusing on principles of affordability, sustainability, and adaptability to address the needs of modern living.

### Layout and Organization
The villa spans two floors, thoughtfully divided into functional areas to enhance usability. The **basement level** includes utility spaces such as storage and mechanical rooms, facilitating efficient service access while maintaining a comfortable living environment. The **ground and first floors** feature an open-plan arrangement, integrating living, dining, and kitchen areas with expansive glazing that fosters connections to outdoor spaces. This design promotes the influx of natural light, reducing dependence on artificial lighting, and features low-emissivity glass that enhances thermal efficiency.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices
The construction of ModHome incorporates various sustainable materials in alignment with contemporary architectural standards. Key materials include wood cement boards for structural integrity, natural wool insulation for thermal efficiency, and low-emissivity glass for improved energy performance. The use of steel beams ensures a lightweight yet robust structure, while photovoltaic panels installed on the roof contribute to the home’s energy autonomy. Additional features such as a water recovery tank for rainwater harvesting and a greywater recycling system exemplify the project's commitment to sustainability, all set within a landscaped environment that enhances the connection to nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy