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Natural Walnut and Polished Porcelain Unite in a Modern Family Residence with Sustainable Features

Authors:
Mona Abdulla Mohamed Sulaiman Al Ali, Sreegith Madambi Karunakaran
Natural Walnut and Polished Porcelain Unite in a Modern Family Residence with Sustainable Features

Project in-detail

Natural walnut cabinetry and polished porcelain tile create a cohesive aesthetic in a family residence designed for sustainability and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural walnut cabinetry custom-designed for optimal storage solutions.
02
Open-plan living area seamlessly transitions to a landscaped outdoor pool.
03
Photovoltaic solar system integrated into the architecture for energy efficiency.
04
Large glass panels strategically positioned for natural light and ventilation.
05
Overhanging roof design provides shade and reduces heat gain.

## Project Overview

Located within a family-friendly neighborhood, this modern residence spans 341 square meters (approximately 30m x 15m) and is designed to accommodate an active family lifestyle. The layout prioritizes a balance between private and communal spaces, allowing for both social interaction and individual retreat. Key design intents include enhancing durability, achieving aesthetic appeal, and fostering connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments.

## Spatial Organization

### Ground Floor

The ground level encompasses 170 square meters, featuring a guest suite, a spacious family living and dining area interconnected with the kitchen, and service areas such as the laundry and maid's quarters. Additional outdoor amenities include a private pool and a seating area that extends the living space into the garden, facilitating leisure activities and family gatherings.

### First Floor

Covering 171 square meters, the first floor consists of four master bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, and a central family living room that connects to a balcony overlooking the backyard. This design promotes both private reflection and family engagement, optimizing the use of space while ensuring visual and physical connectivity to nature.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Utilizing a range of durable and aesthetically pleasing materials, the residence includes polished porcelain tiles for flooring, natural walnut cabinetry for warmth and contemporary styling, and white and black marble to enhance visual richness. Large glass panels integrated throughout the design facilitate natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Incorporating sustainable features, the project includes a rooftop solar power system that supplies approximately 36% of the property's annual electricity needs and a design that promotes natural ventilation to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Climate-responsive strategies, such as the use of shading elements and strategically placed openings, effectively manage heat and optimize daylight throughout the interior.

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

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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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