Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Perforated Facades and Adaptive Roofs in a Sustainable Residential Community

Author:
Trân Mạnh Hùng
Perforated Facades and Adaptive Roofs in a Sustainable Residential Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing perforated facades and adaptive roofs for natural ventilation, the design creates a sustainable residential community that prioritizes communal living while respecting the local architectural vernacular.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated facade enhances natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.
02
Adaptive roofs improve indoor climate control through dynamic airflow.
03
Utilizes local clay bricks for thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
04
Central courtyards foster community interaction and social cohesion.
05
Water features integrated for passive cooling and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview

The architectural design project is situated in an area rich with cultural heritage, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and adaptable living arrangements. It is inspired by traditional domestic architecture from the Arab region, particularly reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the United Arab Emirates where urban life coexists with desert landscapes. The design intends to connect historical architectural significance with contemporary functional requirements, addressing environmental considerations in the process.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design emphasizes a cohesive relationship between the built environment and the natural setting, integrating traditional housing typologies with modern amenities. Key elements include a well-structured spatial layout that facilitates intentional flow and usability across different areas. Central courtyards serve as community anchors, promoting social interactions and providing serene spaces for both relaxation and gathering. The project prioritizes functional versatility, allowing spaces to adapt to various uses over time, such as accommodating both formal and informal events, thereby reflecting the dynamic needs of families and communities.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project's sustainability goals. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability while local clay bricks enhance thermal insulation, benefitting internal temperature regulation. Large glass surfaces are utilized to maximize natural light and maintain a visual connection with the external environment, which is essential in a desert context. Additionally, the incorporation of wood adds warmth and texture within the spaces. Outdoor water features, including reflection pools and fountains, enhance the microclimate and introduce an element of tranquility, embodying the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy