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Perforated Aluminum Facade and Flexible Spaces Create Harmonious Family Living

Author:
Luis Tenorio
Perforated Aluminum Facade and Flexible Spaces Create Harmonious Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a perforated aluminum facade and flexible spatial arrangements, the design fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments while accommodating modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated aluminum panels to enhance light filtration and visual privacy.
02
Incorporates extensive courtyards that promote natural ventilation and outdoor engagement.
03
Features a centrally placed spiral staircase that serves as a visual focal point.
04
Flexible interior spaces designed to adapt to changing family needs over time.
05
Employs local materials for sustainability while reflecting cultural heritage.

### Overview
The "House of the Future" is located in a contemporary urban setting in the UAE, designed to reflect both modern architectural practices and Emirati cultural aesthetics. This multi-level dwelling prioritizes functionality, cultural significance, and sustainable design strategies. The project examines a unique conceptual framework, emphasizing its commitment to creating an environment that enhances family life and community interactions.

### Spatial Organization
The dwelling is organized across three levels to maximize both private and communal areas while maintaining interconnectivity.

- **Ground Level**: This floor includes essential communal spaces, such as the kitchen, dining area, and family rooms, designed to promote interaction while ensuring privacy through thoughtful spatial arrangements. A central spiral staircase acts as both a functional and visual connector between levels.
- **First Floor**: This level features private quarters, including bedrooms and an office, with extensive glazing that invites natural light, fostering a bright, inviting atmosphere and minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.
- **Upper Levels**: The second and third floors are adaptable, allowing for versatile uses such as guest suites, recreational zones, or private retreats. Accessibility is enhanced through the inclusion of a vacuum elevator, facilitating ease of movement across generations.

### Material Selection and Integration
The material palette for the residence merges traditional and contemporary elements to create a durable yet aesthetically pleasing structure.

- **Perforated Aluminum Panels**: These elements adorn the façade, offering a lightweight, decorative façade that enhances the building's visual appeal while mitigating structural load. Their corrosion resistance and ease of installation contribute to cost-effectiveness.
- **Expanded Polystyrene**: This insulation material is integrated within a galvanized steel framework, providing effective thermal management and structural integrity.
- **Glass**: The strategic use of expansive glazing enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting natural light and an open feel.
- **Natural Stone and Tiles**: Incorporating traditional materials, these finishes establish a strong connection to Emirati heritage while delivering timeless elegance.

### Architectural Features
Several defining architectural elements contribute to the home's overall character.

- **Courtyards**: Numerous courtyards facilitate natural ventilation and light penetration, reinforcing connections to the outdoors and incorporating greenery that promotes tranquility.
- **Curvilinear Forms and Cultural Motifs**: The design employs smooth, flowing lines that add an organic quality, contrasting with conventional rigid forms. Intricate surface designs draw inspiration from traditional Emirati arts, skillfully blending historical references with modern expression.

This project exemplifies a carefully considered approach to contemporary residential design, balancing functional requirements with a profound connection to cultural roots and aspirations for the future.

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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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