Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Natural Brown Mud Blocks and Perforated Screens Define a Community-Focused Courtyard Residence

Authors:
Yousof Diab, Omar Hakla
Natural Brown Mud Blocks and Perforated Screens Define a Community-Focused Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Employing natural brown mud blocks and intricate perforated screens, the design integrates communal open spaces to foster social interaction within a sustainable residential framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a central courtyard to enhance airflow and social interaction.
02
Utilizes mud blocks for thermal mass and energy efficiency.
03
Features perforated screens for privacy and passive ventilation.
04
Incorporates community gardens on multiple levels for resident engagement.
05
Employs a flexible structural grid to allow future expansion options.

### Overview

Located within an urban setting, the House of Tribulus integrates contemporary design principles with inspirations drawn from traditional Middle Eastern architecture. The project's intent is to create a functional and visually cohesive living environment that fosters community interaction. Unique elements of the design emphasize sustainability and cultural relevance, positioning the residence as an innovative response to local climatic and social contexts.

### Spatial Strategy

The design adopts the courtyard typology, traditionally prevalent in Middle Eastern homes, which serves as a central element for natural ventilation and promotes a connection between indoors and outdoors. The layout strategically utilizes the site’s orientation to maximize light and airflow, aligning with prevailing northwestern winds. Shading devices are incorporated to mitigate solar gain, optimizing comfort for residents while enhancing energy efficiency.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A carefully selected array of materials underpins the project's commitment to sustainability. Mud blocks are prominently used in the external walls for their thermal mass properties, contributing to cooler interiors. Concrete, plaster, and stucco complement the structure's integrity and aesthetic, while polystyrene serves as an effective thermal insulator. Notably, solar panels are integrated into the building’s design, supporting renewable energy generation. Additionally, roof gardens enhance biodiversity and assist in regulating temperature, further reinforcing the residence's sustainable framework. Each material choice reflects local availability and cultural practices, anchoring the design within its contextual landscape.

### Design Features

The House of Tribulus showcases an adaptable structural grid that accommodates future expansion as community needs evolve. The facades incorporate modern interpretations of traditional designs through perforated screens, providing both privacy and ventilation. Roof gardens serve as dual-purpose spaces for recreation and social engagement, reinforcing the project's focus on community living. The energy-efficient design elements, including photovoltaic cells and a passive cooling wind tower, contribute to a net-zero energy framework, exemplifying a holistic approach to sustainable architecture. Cultural motifs, such as the Mugarnas Half-Dome, ensure that the building resonates with local heritage while maintaining a modern identity.

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