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Palm Wood and Concrete Blend in a Flexible Modular Residence Promoting Communal Living

Authors:
Husam Haseeb Rasoul, Vinod Selvaraj, Zoha Khalique
Palm Wood and Concrete Blend in a Flexible Modular Residence Promoting Communal Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing palm wood and concrete, this modular residence integrates communal gathering spaces with private living quarters, fostering social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced palm wood for structural elements, enhancing cultural significance.
02
Features modular design allowing for future expansion based on family needs.
03
Incorporates extensive overhangs for passive cooling in the hot climate.
04
Includes multi-functional spaces that support both private and communal activities.
05
Employs sustainable materials like concrete and glass to improve energy efficiency.

### Project Overview

"Baiti-Baitak," translating to "My Home is Your Home," is a modern Emirati residential design that aims to enhance communal living while ensuring individual privacy. Situated within a contemporary neighborhood context, the project thoughtfully integrates traditional Emirati hospitality concepts with modern architectural practices, promoting community engagement through deliberate spatial organization.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The layout features a strategic division into core modules, with clear distinctions between private and communal areas. The ground floor of each unit encompasses open-plan living spaces and essential service areas, while the upper floors are designated for private bedrooms, ensuring a balance between social interaction and personal retreat. Communal terraces and inviting entrances foster interaction among residents and emphasize the importance of shared experiences within the living environment.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The design employs a selection of materials that reflect local craftsmanship and environmental sustainability. Concrete provides essential structural integrity, while sustainably sourced palm wood signifies cultural heritage and serves practical purposes such as shading and insulation. Large windows of glass facilitate natural daylight and establish a connection to the outdoor environment, complemented by aluminum window frames that enhance durability and thermal efficiency. This careful material selection contributes not only to the aesthetic appeal but also to the building’s energy performance, with solar panels on the roofs underscoring a commitment to sustainable living practices in alignment with the region's climate.

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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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