Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Stone Cladding and Solar Chimney Integrate Sustainability in Modern Residential Design

Author:
Adegoke Oluwakanni Keshinro
Natural Stone Cladding and Solar Chimney Integrate Sustainability in Modern Residential Design

Project in-detail

Employing a solar chimney and natural stone cladding, the design enhances energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal while serving as a sustainable family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs a solar chimney for naturally enhanced ventilation throughout the living spaces.
02
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone for exterior cladding, promoting regional materials.
03
Integrates a central courtyard that functions as a cooling hub for the entire building.
04
Incorporates photovoltaic panels seamlessly within the roof design for maximum energy capture.
05
Features flexible spatial arrangements to adapt to varying lifestyle needs of occupants.

## Project Overview

The House of the Future is a residential design project located in the Emirates, responding to the increasing demand for sustainable living environments. This design combines traditional architectural elements with modern sustainability practices, aiming to provide a comfortable and eco-friendly dwelling that respects the local climate. The integration of advanced technologies with natural resources underscores the focus on creating a harmonious living space.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout of the structure is strategically organized to enhance natural ventilation and daylighting. The ground floor consists of essential public functions, including a garage and living spaces, which connect with a central courtyard designed for ventilation. The first and second floors are allocated for private residential areas, such as bedrooms and study spaces, featuring balconies that offer views and facilitate airflow. This configuration promotes functionality while prioritizing user comfort.

## Material Selection and Sustainable Technologies

Materiality plays a significant role in achieving both aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. Key materials include concrete for durability, sandstone for façade cladding, and large glazed windows that maximize natural light and passive solar heating. The incorporation of solar panels provides an estimated energy output of 2.4 kW, enhancing overall energy efficiency. Sustainable technologies such as a solar chimney and windcatchers are designed to improve indoor air quality and reduce dependence on mechanical systems, while rainwater harvesting systems further support resource management by collecting water for various uses. The design also allows for the potential use of eco-friendly materials to minimize the overall carbon footprint.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy