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Perforated Facade and Green Roof Enhance the Courtyard Experience in Sustainable Home Design

Author:
Gjergji Prendi
Perforated Facade and Green Roof Enhance the Courtyard Experience in Sustainable Home Design

Project in-detail

The integration of a perforated facade and a green roof creates a dynamic interplay of light and shade, while the central courtyard fosters communal interaction in a modern residential home designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
A perforated facade provides both privacy and a dynamic play of light and shadow in the interior spaces.
03
Sustainable cooling strategies reduce reliance on mechanical air conditioning for energy efficiency.
04
Local flora is integrated into the landscaping, minimizing water usage and enhancing biodiversity.
05
The use of precast concrete allows for swift construction while ensuring durability and thermal performance.

**Overview and Conceptual Framework**

The Oasis Residence is situated in the United Arab Emirates and is designed to reflect both traditional and contemporary architectural principles, emphasizing a connection to the natural landscape. The core concept revolves around the notion of an "oasis," symbolizing vitality and community. Central to this design is a sunken courtyard that serves as both a private retreat and a communal area, fostering family interactions while paying homage to historical designs prevalent in the region. The residence comprises two main volumes—one dedicated to family living and the other to guest accommodations—linked by shared living spaces that enhance privacy and social connectivity.

**Spatial Organization and Environmental Integration**

The layout of the Oasis Residence centers around a sunken courtyard, providing a visual and physical focal point from various vantage points within the home. The dual-volume structure promotes distinct areas for intimate family use and guest hosting, facilitating both privacy and interaction. The incorporation of water features, including a shallow basin and a central pool, enhances microclimates throughout the site, contributing to thermal comfort and visual aesthetics. The landscaping employs local plant species, which not only supports biodiversity but also strengthens the relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

**Material Selection and Sustainable Strategies**

The material palette emphasizes precast concrete for its durability and energy efficiency, forming the primary shell of the residence. A perforated façade serves dual functions of regulating airflow and enhancing privacy while providing a rhythmic texture to the exterior. Large glass panels maximize natural light, connecting interior spaces with the exterior environment, while neutral tones reflect sunlight and improve cooling efficiency. Sustainable building practices are evident through the incorporation of natural ventilation strategies and green roofs, which minimize reliance on mechanical cooling systems and promote energy efficiency.

The adaptation of traditional architectural elements, such as the mashrabiya, integrates cultural relevance into the design, ensuring both privacy and effective air circulation while creating dynamic light patterns within the residence. The spatial arrangement effectively links various functional zones, enhancing living quality and accessibility within the home.

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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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