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Natural Wood Brown Façade Enhanced by Cob Walls in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Jumana Kh. I. Salem
Natural Wood Brown Façade Enhanced by Cob Walls in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with a façade of natural wood brown and cob walls, the design emphasizes sustainable materials and integrates traditional Emirati features to create a functional residential space that prioritizes community and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cob to enhance thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates a Majlis to reflect cultural traditions of communal living.
03
Employs 3D printing techniques for unique architectural elements.
04
Features low-e glass to optimize light while minimizing heat gain.
05
Utilizes a layout designed for passive ventilation and natural airflow.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future presents a contemporary residential design that integrates advanced construction methods with Emirati cultural traditions. Utilizing 3D construction technology, the project aims to fulfill modern residential needs while reflecting the local context. Central to its design intent is a commitment to sustainability, adaptability, and cultural resonance, ensuring that the dwelling meets the demands of today's occupants without compromising its environmental or cultural integrity.

### Sustainability and Material Innovation

The project prioritizes the use of environmentally responsible materials, including green concrete, cob, recycled steel, and reclaimed materials such as metal, glass, and clay bricks. Green concrete and cob enhance thermal insulation and reduce the carbon footprint associated with conventional building materials, while recycled elements contribute to resource efficiency and waste reduction. Through these choices, the design seeks to minimize environmental impact while incorporating aesthetics that resonate with local craftsmanship and heritage.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout is deliberately crafted to ensure privacy and cultural sensitivity, hallmarks of Emirati residential design. Key features include courtyards that promote social interaction while providing private retreats, and room arrangements optimized for natural ventilation and light. The building's exterior façade mirrors the contours of the desert landscape through 3D-printed features that enhance passive cooling. Interior spaces are designed with functionality in mind, offering areas such as a Majlis that facilitate communal living, and living rooms that connect to central courtyards, allowing for a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

Additionally, exterior elements, such as native landscaping and rooftop solar panels, integrate sustainability into the living environment, demonstrating modern technological solutions alongside traditional design principles.

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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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