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Perforated Brass Facade and Clay Block Design for Sustainable Family Living

Author:
Rane Makdasi
Perforated Brass Facade and Clay Block Design for Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating a perforated brass facade and utilizing locally sourced clay blocks, the design fosters natural ventilation and communal interaction, culminating in a sustainable home for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique windcatcher feature for passive cooling.
02
Incorporates locally sourced clay blocks for thermal efficiency.
03
Includes a central courtyard to promote family interaction.
04
Features a perforated brass facade for privacy and light control.
05
Designed with a focus on sustainable energy through solar panels.

## Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design integrates contemporary architectural practices with traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics, aiming to forge a connection between culture and ecology. The structure serves as both a family residence and a representation of regional identity, reflecting the historical evolution of urban architecture while addressing modern living requirements through sustainable and self-sufficient strategies.

## Spatial Organization
The layout of the residence is delineated by distinct functional zones. The basement houses utility areas, while the ground floor features communal spaces, including a kitchen, dining area, and a central courtyard that promotes interaction. The garage facilitates access and contributes to an energy-efficient configuration. The upper floors are dedicated to private living quarters, with a central atrium designed to enhance natural light and ventilation, fostering a balance between communal and private dynamics. Vertical circulation is optimized through strategically placed staircases, enhancing connectivity across different family zones while maintaining privacy.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The facade utilizes perforated brickwork, allowing for light and airflow while ensuring privacy. Clay blocks are employed for their sustainable properties and thermal insulation, crucial for the region's climate. The roof incorporates skylights to maximize natural illumination and optimize heat control. A notable feature is the central windcatcher, which facilitates natural cooling by capturing prevailing breezes, supplemented by cross-ventilation techniques throughout the structure. The material palette includes cedarwood for its thermal efficiency, perforated brass sheets for functional shading, and white plastered clay blocks to enhance thermal regulation.

The project incorporates solar technologies to achieve energy self-sufficiency, projecting an annual output of 12,612 kWh from photovoltaic modules against a target consumption of 68,800 kWh, aiming for an eco-positive impact. This commitment to sustainable design ensures harmony with the climatic conditions of the region and fosters connections to outdoor spaces through thoughtfully designed gardens and courtyards.

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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

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