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Natural Shading and Palm Wood Combine for a Sustainable Family Home

Author:
Leila Sobek
Natural Shading and Palm Wood Combine for a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced palm wood and traditional Areesh for natural shading, the residence integrates sustainability with a flexible design to create a functional family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced palm wood for structural components, enhancing sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional Areesh shading to improve thermal comfort and privacy.
03
Features a modular layout that allows for future adaptability as family needs change.
04
Central courtyard design promotes outdoor interactions and natural ventilation.
05
Solar panels are strategically integrated to optimize energy efficiency.

### Overview and Intent
Located within a context that honors local identity and environmental sustainability, the design integrates contemporary architectural principles with an emphasis on adaptability and interaction. The House of Future embodies an ethos that fosters harmony with nature while accommodating the changing dynamics of its occupants. It aims to redefine conventional residential structures by functioning as a sanctuary that caters to evolving familial and environmental needs.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout is characterized by a thoughtful organization of spaces that promotes fluidity between indoor and outdoor environments. Key design features include an open kitchen and dining area that seamlessly connects to the living spaces, enhancing communal interactions. A central courtyard acts as a terrace and social hub, facilitating natural ventilation and fostering a sense of community. The design places private living zones, such as bedrooms, on the upper level, ensuring both seclusion and accessibility to communal areas.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Palm wood serves as the primary structural component, demonstrating both durability and a connection to indigenous building practices. Areesh, a traditional woven shading material, provides privacy and aesthetic value while facilitating cooling effects. Concrete is utilized for its robustness in structural elements, while expansive glass facades optimize natural light and strengthen visual links to the surroundings. Solar panels on the roof are integral to the design, reinforcing energy efficiency and ecological 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

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