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Natural Cooling and Greywater Systems in a Sustainable U-Shaped Residence Constructed With Reclaimed Materials

Author:
Eremciuc Ion
Natural Cooling and Greywater Systems in a Sustainable U-Shaped Residence Constructed With Reclaimed Materials

Project in-detail

Constructed with reclaimed materials and enhanced by natural cooling systems, this U-shaped residence integrates sustainable practices to create a functional and harmonious family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and structural integrity.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic depth.
03
Incorporates a greywater reuse system, promoting water conservation in the arid climate.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural ventilation and light distribution.
05
The U-shaped layout creates a central courtyard, enhancing social interaction within the residence.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future embodies contemporary residential architecture tailored for modern family living. The design features a U-shaped configuration that centralizes an open courtyard with a pool, promoting interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. This layout ensures that the dwelling accommodates the dynamic needs of its inhabitants while maintaining a focus on sustainability and flexibility.

### Spatial Configuration

The U-shaped design creates a courtyard that serves as a central hub, integrating living, dining, and kitchen areas while ensuring privacy in the sleeping quarters. This spatial organization facilitates both social interaction and individual retreat. Key design elements include:

- **Defined Zones:** The thoughtful separation of private and public areas allows for adaptable use without compromising the fluidity of movement.
- **Social Spaces:** Outdoor seating and a prominent swimming pool act as focal points, encouraging family gatherings and outdoor activities.
- **Light Optimization:** Generous glass facades and skylights are incorporated to enhance natural light penetration, reducing dependence on artificial lighting.

### Material Palette and Sustainability Features

The project's material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and regional relevance. Key materials include:

- **Concrete:** Functions as the primary structural element, with applications in flooring and walls.
- **Wood:** Added to ceiling areas, providing a natural contrast and warmth.
- **Glass:** Extensively used in facades for transparency and connection to the landscape.
- **Stone:** Integration of local stone materials reflects the architectural heritage of the region.
- **Steel:** Utilized in construction for strength and precision.

Innovative design strategies further enhance sustainability, such as:

- **Modular Construction:** This approach increases efficiency and minimizes waste during the building process.
- **Passive Cooling Systems:** Features like ventilated facades and earth air tunnels work to optimize indoor temperatures without relying heavily on mechanical cooling.
- **Green Elements:** Roof gardens and green walls utilize native plants, fostering biodiversity within the urban environment.
- **Water Management:** A greywater reuse system supports responsible water conservation, particularly significant in the desert climate.

Focusing on sustainable practices, the design incorporates natural cooling strategies and eco-friendly materials, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint while providing a healthy indoor environment.

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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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