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 Screen Walls and Foam Concrete Crafting Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Environments

Author:
Lanqin Wang
Perforated Screen Walls and Foam Concrete Crafting Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing foam concrete and perforated screen walls, the design creates adaptable living spaces that respond to the dynamic needs of urban families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes foam concrete for superior insulation and lightweight construction.
02
Incorporates modular configurations for expanding living spaces based on user needs.
03
Features perforated screen walls to enhance natural ventilation and privacy.
04
Integrates renewable energy solutions to minimize ecological impact.
05
Landscaped with native plants to reduce water usage and maintenance.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the "Growing Future" project presents an innovative residential design that prioritizes adaptability and sustainability in response to the city's rapid urbanization and diverse cultural landscape. The project aims to provide flexible living solutions that can evolve with the changing needs of its inhabitants, utilizing modular design principles to allow for future reconfiguration and expansion.

## Spatial Strategy and Configurations

The spatial organization of "Growing Future" is characterized by a grid-based system that supports various configurations. Initial modules cater to small families or individuals, while expanded versions accommodate larger families or additional social spaces. Adaptive modules are designed to meet specific user requirements, such as accommodating aging relatives or young adults. This flexibility ensures the dwelling remains relevant throughout different life stages, enhancing user experience and comfort.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for this project plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and environmental responsibility. Foam concrete is employed for its lightweight properties and energy efficiency, while extensive use of glass promotes natural light and openness within living spaces. Additionally, the design incorporates recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact. Landscaping integrates local flora such as cacti, which thrive in Dubai’s climate and contribute to habitat creation, further supporting sustainability through reduced irrigation needs. Advanced sustainability technologies, including systems for air filtration and water recycling, illustrate a commitment to resource management without compromising on design.

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