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Natural Stone Facade With Reinforced Concrete Structure Enhancing Sustainable Living

Authors:
Mohamed Mohsen Ibrahim Youssef, Khaled Mohamed Mohieeldin Aly Ahmed
Natural Stone Facade With Reinforced Concrete Structure Enhancing Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with a natural stone façade and reinforced concrete, this residence integrates sustainable practices with smart home features, creating an efficient living space that harmonizes modern functionality and traditional aesthetics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a natural stone façade, enhancing durability and thermal performance.
02
Incorporates an underground air conditioning system for energy efficiency.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that provide weather resistance and low maintenance.
04
Utilizes recycled water systems for landscape irrigation, promoting sustainability.
05
Designed with arched windows to optimize natural light and airflow throughout the space.

### Overview
Located in a region rich with cultural heritage, the design emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies, sustainability, and user comfort. The project reflects influences from Arabian and Islamic architecture while incorporating European design principles. The intent is to create a residential environment that effectively meets contemporary living requirements.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The layout is designed to facilitate both private and communal interactions, emphasizing a flexible approach to space utilization. The ground floor features an open-plan arrangement, connecting the living room, dining area, and kitchen, while bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms provide privacy. Additional living spaces, including balconies and roof gardens, extend the usable area outdoors, promoting engagement with the surrounding environment. The basement functions as a multi-purpose area for entertainment and utilities, enhancing the overall utility of the home.

### Material and Environmental Considerations
The construction employs materials selected for durability and energy efficiency. Reinforced concrete is the primary structural material, complemented by glass elements to optimize natural light. The exterior features arched windows and textured wall panels that echo traditional motifs and support ventilation. Environmental strategies include water harvesting systems that recycle grey water for irrigation and energy-efficient appliances to minimize the project's ecological footprint. This commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the landscaping, which incorporates native flora to promote biodiversity.

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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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