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Natural Lighting and Thermal Brick Integration in a Sustainable Family Dwelling

Author:
Xhsnyn Ebxttan
Natural Lighting and Thermal Brick Integration in a Sustainable Family Dwelling

Project in-detail

Incorporating triple-glazed curtain walls and thermal brick construction, this residential dwelling prioritizes energy efficiency and natural light, creating a harmonious environment for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an indoor garden as a central feature for biophilic living.
02
Employs triple-glazed curtain walls for optimal thermal insulation and natural light.
03
Features deep cantilevers for effective solar shading and reduced heat gain.
04
Utilizes low emission paints to enhance indoor air quality and sustainability.
05
Constructed with thermal bricks, ensuring superior energy efficiency compared to standard materials.

### Overview

Located in Nadd Al Shiba 2, Dubai, UAE, the House of the Future is a residential design project that addresses the growing demand for contemporary living solutions in a dynamic urban context. The design integrates modern architectural principles with cultural elements characteristic of the Emirati lifestyle. It aims to optimize comfort and functionality while responding to environmental considerations within Dubai's rapidly evolving landscape.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout fosters visual connectivity and facilitates smooth transitions between spaces. The design divides the house into distinct functional areas: Public zones, including the Majlis and living areas, promote social interaction; Semi-public zones, such as an internal garden, serve as focal points for gatherings; Semi-private zones provide privacy for bedrooms while ensuring proximity to communal spaces; and service areas are strategically designed to maintain overall aesthetics while offering practical access to essential facilities. The arrangement not only enhances family interactions but also respects individual privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a range of materials that balance practicality and aesthetics. Thermal bricks for external walls enhance insulation, while porcelain flooring offers durability and low maintenance. Triple glazed curtain walls contribute to thermal efficiency, and low-emission paints improve indoor air quality. The inclusion of wood finishes adds warmth to interior spaces, and green concrete slabs support sustainability efforts by reducing the building's carbon footprint. Passive design strategies, including effective sunlight management and optimized thermal control, minimize reliance on mechanical systems, further promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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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

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
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