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Modular Living Structures Featuring Thermal Mass and Natural Stone for Multigenerational Communities

Author:
Uladzislau Chabai
Modular Living Structures Featuring Thermal Mass and Natural Stone for Multigenerational Communities

Project in-detail

Modular living structures, designed with a central motherboard and enhanced thermal mass using local stone, provide adaptive spaces for multigenerational communities in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular core allows for flexible spatial configurations over time.
02
Wind catchers enhance natural ventilation while minimizing energy use.
03
Local stone integrates seamlessly with the environment, promoting sustainability.
04
Central motherboard design supports rapid prototyping and construction.
05
Public courtyards foster community interaction among multigenerational households.

## Project Overview
**Pastfuture** is a multigenerational living initiative located in the United Arab Emirates, designed to balance modern needs with the region's cultural heritage and environmental conditions. This project prioritizes community interaction among families while integrating sustainable design principles. The layout reflects an understanding of historical lifestyles and aims to create adaptable living environments that accommodate diverse family structures.

### Spatial Flexibility and Community Engagement
Central to the design is a modular core, termed the "motherboard," which enables the customization of residential spaces according to evolving family dynamics. This component-centric framework supports proactive design by allowing for rapid prototyping and efficient construction. The residences feature flexible layouts that can expand or contract based on family requirements, fostering a sense of ownership within a collective community setting. To promote social interaction, the design includes shaded outdoor spaces formed by arches and landscaped courtyards, encouraging residents to engage meaningfully with one another.

### Material Selection and Environmental Adaptation
The project employs sustainable, locally sourced materials to enhance both the structural integrity and thermal performance of the residences. Concrete serves as the primary structural element thanks to its durability, while glass is strategically used in facade design to maximize natural light without compromising insulation. The integration of natural stone for flooring and landscaping aligns with the local environment, and wood elements provide a visual contrast to the concrete. Additionally, passive cooling strategies, including thick walls and wind catchers, facilitate energy-efficient climate control, helping to maintain comfort throughout the year in the harsh UAE climate. The landscape incorporates a solar-powered water distillation system, promoting sustainability and reducing dependency on conventional water sources.

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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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