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Perforated Screens and Sustainable Solar Panels Defining Modern Family Living in Dubai

Authors:
Deepak Ghavri , Guneet Ganger, Shruti Boora, Bhanuvi Thakur
Perforated Screens and Sustainable Solar Panels Defining Modern Family Living in Dubai

Project in-detail

Built with perforated screens and enhanced by monocrystalline solar panels, the design prioritizes sustainability and cultural integration, offering a modern living space tailored for extended family dynamics in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated screens enhance natural ventilation and privacy while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
02
Monocrystalline solar panels integrated into the terrace optimize energy efficiency.
03
The unique dual-ground layout accommodates both communal and private family spaces.
04
Natural landscaping complements the architecture, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
05
Flexible design allows for future expansions to meet evolving family needs.

## Overview of the Twin Ground House
Located in Dubai, the Twin Ground House is designed for modern Emirati families, reflecting both contemporary aesthetics and cultural elements. The residential layout promotes a blend of indoor and outdoor living, emphasizing spatial duality to meet the socio-economic needs of the region. Central to the design is the philosophy of "Taking from Earth and Giving Back to Earth," which reinforces a commitment to sustainability and community engagement within the context of Emirati traditions.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The site plan features a thoughtful arrangement of Lower and Upper Grounds, aimed at fostering communal living while honoring cultural norms. Ground coverage is strategically maintained at 30-35%, allowing for ample outdoor spaces that encourage family interaction. The architectural form transitions from the Lower Ground, serving as a communal hub with an open courtyard and various living zones, to the Upper Ground, designated for private family activities, enhanced by landscaping and ornamental features.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The materials used in the Twin Ground House marry traditional and contemporary design principles. Structural integrity is provided by concrete, while glazed tiles enhance aesthetic appeal at the entrance. Traditional Islamic geometry is reflected in the use of Jali screens, which promote ventilation and privacy simultaneously. Sustainability is a key focus, with monocrystalline solar panels integrated into the terrace, alongside innovative strategies such as natural ventilation, daylight optimization, and a rainwater harvesting system, all contributing to the project's energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

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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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