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Polished Aluminum Skin and Green Roofs Create Sustainable Living Spaces in Urban Environment

Author:
Simon Phillip Nummy
Polished Aluminum Skin and Green Roofs Create Sustainable Living Spaces in Urban Environment

Project in-detail

A polished aluminum exterior and integrated green roofs define a residence that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement through flexible living spaces and urban agriculture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Polished aluminum exterior enhances durability and reflects the surrounding environment.
02
Integrated green roofs support urban agriculture and provide insulation.
03
Flexible interior spaces adapt to changing family needs and activities.
04
Aquaponic systems create a closed-loop for food production within the residence.
05
Atmospheric water generators supply hydration sustainably from the local atmosphere.

# Analytical Report: The "Happiness Machine" Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the "Happiness Machine" integrates traditional architectural elements with contemporary sustainable practices to create a living environment that promotes well-being and community engagement. This design reflects both the city's rapid modernization and its rich cultural heritage, drawing from historical precedents while addressing current and future needs for sustainable living.

## Conceptual Framework and Social Connectivity

The project embodies a design philosophy that honors traditional Arabic architecture while prioritizing sustainability and communal interaction. Key elements include the incorporation of courtyards and reception halls, which reflect historic cultural practices while accommodating modern functionality. The design promotes social connections through semi-public spaces, allowing residents to interact and strengthen community bonds.

### Sustainability Initiatives

A significant objective is to achieve net positive outcomes in water and energy usage. Innovative features include atmospheric water generators for sustainable hydration, solar arrays to meet energy demands without reliance on non-renewable sources, and aquaponic systems that foster self-sufficient food production. These elements collectively reduce the ecological footprint and encourage local food cultivation.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

The material palette for the "Happiness Machine" is carefully curated to align with its sustainable goals while enhancing the user experience.

1. **Polished Aluminum**: Utilized as the exterior cladding, this material enhances modern aesthetics through its reflective quality.

2. **Reconstituted Stone**: Applied in lower levels and landscaping, it provides a durable yet natural appearance.

3. **Wood**: Employed within interior spaces to create warmth and a connection to nature.

4. **Glass**: Large glass panels are integrated to maximize natural light, contributing to a healthy living environment.

5. **Green Roofs and Walls**: Serving dual purposes of insulation and urban agriculture, these living features enhance the ecological footprint of the structure.

### Notable Design Features

Occupants benefit from flexible spatial arrangements, accommodating varying family dynamics. Outdoor gardens and water features, such as lap pools and shaded fountains, extend the living environment and promote outdoor activity. Additionally, technology-driven feedback systems for monitoring energy and resource consumption empower residents to engage actively in sustainable living practices.

Overall, the "Happiness Machine" serves not only as a residence but also as a comprehensive model that prioritizes emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions of living, ensuring its cultural relevance in Dubai's diverse socio-cultural context.

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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

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
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