Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Mud-Concrete Living Spaces Embracing Natural Ventilation and Communal Interaction

Authors:
Moctar Ahouantchede, Ousmane bachécou dit kissima Doucoure, Bonto Konwoma Ulrich Pare
Mud-Concrete Living Spaces Embracing Natural Ventilation and Communal Interaction

Project in-detail

Integrating Mud-Concrete construction with adaptive shading and communal spaces, this residence fosters a seamless connection between indoor living and the natural environment while accommodating diverse social interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Mud-Concrete blocks for enhanced thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Features folding windows that create flexible transitions between indoor and outdoor living.
03
Incorporates automatic shutters for adaptive shading and energy efficiency.
04
The design includes communal outdoor areas that promote social interaction among residents.
05
Strategically positioned to harness natural airflow and optimize the microclimate.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the project is designed to establish an integrated relationship between interior living areas and the surrounding environment. The design addresses the climatic and social challenges of the region, aiming to enhance both accessibility and comfort for residents.

### Spatial Organization
The layout divides the program into three distinct zones: outdoor spaces, indoor living areas, and communal spaces. This strategic segmentation allows for functional clarity while maintaining connectivity between areas. Indoor living spaces incorporate folding windows, enhancing flexibility for social interactions and celebrations, effectively bridging indoor and outdoor environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices emphasize sustainability and efficiency. Key materials include eco-friendly clay for structural integrity, concrete for framework support, and Mud-Concrete Block (MCB), which enhances thermal performance through a combination of traditional and modern techniques. This innovative approach to material use aids in regulating indoor temperatures and minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, the building features photovoltaic solar panels and automatic shutters to manage energy consumption and improve climate adaptability.

These design strategies ensure a balance of private and communal spaces, with the ground floor dedicated to shared activities and the upper floor reserved for private living quarters. The architectural composition also reflects local aesthetic values, harmonizing modern lines with traditional textures to create a cohesive and contextually relevant structure.

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

`

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