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Natural Stone and Vertical Gardens Define a Sustainable Desert Residence

Authors:
Serghei Sari Terzi, Andrej Pyndzyn
Natural Stone and Vertical Gardens Define a Sustainable Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Natural stone cladding and integrated vertical gardens enhance the sustainability of a multi-level residence designed to harmonize with its desert surroundings while providing spacious family living areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone cladding is used to enhance thermal performance and blend with the desert landscape.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated throughout the design to promote biodiversity and natural cooling.
03
The structure utilizes prefabricated metal panels for efficient construction and modern aesthetics.
04
Large glass elements provide unobstructed views while maximizing natural light and ventilation.
05
A multi-level layout accommodates both communal and private spaces, catering to family dynamics.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, this residence merges the city’s cultural heritage with modern sustainable living principles. The design promotes a balance between traditional values and contemporary lifestyles, creating an environment that is both functional and reflective of its context. The orientation of the house enhances views and interactions with the surrounding desert landscape, emphasizing the relationship between the built environment and nature.

### Spatial Organization
The layout comprises a basement and three upper levels, each serving distinct purposes while maintaining an intuitive flow. The basement accommodates practical spaces, including a guest lounge and utility areas, enhancing privacy and accessibility. The ground level features a central great room that connects dining, kitchen, and outdoor areas, facilitating a connection with the exterior environment. Upper levels house private quarters designed thoughtfully with balconies, allowing for personal space and natural ventilation.

### Material and Sustainability Strategy
The material palette integrates reinforced concrete, prefabricated metal panels, natural stone, glass, and wood, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. These materials are selected for their functionality, enhancing thermal performance and providing insulation. Sustainable practices are central to the design, with features such as natural ventilation, strategic solar orientation to optimize light while minimizing heat gain, and water-efficient landscaping. This approach not only fosters a comfortable living space but also aligns with broader sustainability goals within the urban setting.

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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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