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Natural Light and Cultural Integration in a Limestone and Glass Residential Space

Author:
Asma Saeed Rashed Alaskar Alnuaimi
Natural Light and Cultural Integration in a Limestone and Glass Residential Space

Project in-detail

Crafted from limestone and glass, this residence seamlessly integrates natural light and cultural elements to create a functional family living space centered around communal engagement and outdoor leisure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with environmentally efficient limestone and glass for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features a central pool that promotes indoor-outdoor connectivity and leisure.
03
Integrates a cultural majlis to accommodate traditional social gatherings.
04
Maximizes daylight through large glass openings and thoughtful spatial orientation.
05
Includes private family spaces designed for functional flexibility and communal interaction.

### Project Overview

The residential design offers a contemporary approach that combines traditional elements with modern functionalities. Located in a region characterized by ample sunlight, the structure includes extensive outdoor areas, including a pool, to enhance residential life. The layout is structured to promote both private and communal interactions, suitable for a luxurious living environment.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the ground floor is organized around a centralized entrance that facilitates movement between spaces while encouraging interaction among various functional areas. The majlis, positioned near the entrance, serves as a traditional gathering space, embodying cultural significance and welcoming guests. Adjacent to this area, the family hall fosters a communal atmosphere, allowing for social engagement while maintaining distinct zones for dining, fitness, and work functions. The centrally located pool area is designed as a focal point that promotes an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, complemented by lounging spaces that enhance leisure activities.

On the first floor, the arrangement of the master and additional bedrooms ensures privacy while providing easy access to family areas. The presence of a second family hall supports informal gatherings, reinforcing the importance of togetherness throughout the residence. Bathrooms are strategically situated near bedrooms to optimize convenience while maintaining accessibility.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material palette reflects a careful selection aimed at durability and aesthetic cohesion. The exterior may feature stone, such as limestone or marble, providing a robust appearance, while expansive glass windows are likely designed for energy efficiency and enhanced natural lighting. Wood elements add warmth to interiors, and tile in the pool area ensures water resistance and complements the overall design ethos. Concrete may be utilized in structural and hardscaping components, contributing to the building's longevity.

The design emphasizes sustainability through the strategic use of materials and architectural features that maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and supporting energy-efficient living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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