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Precast Concrete Structure with Integrated Outdoor Living Spaces for Family Cohesion

Author:
Shady Ibrahem Mahmoud Abdelkarem Ali
Precast Concrete Structure with Integrated Outdoor Living Spaces for Family Cohesion

Project in-detail

Utilizing precast concrete and integrating outdoor living spaces, the design fosters family cohesion while addressing the cultural and environmental context of modern Emirati living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Precast concrete construction reduces build time and labor costs while ensuring durability.
02
Integrated outdoor living spaces enhance family interaction and promote a connection with nature.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural performance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Sun path analysis informs the building's orientation to minimize heat gain and enhance energy efficiency.
05
A strategic layout supports both communal living and individual privacy for family members.

## Overview

Located in Bur Dubai, the family home project addresses the specific needs of Emirati citizens while enhancing the urban living experience. Bur Dubai is recognized for its unique blend of modern and traditional elements, providing an appropriate context for this architectural response. The intention is to create a dwelling that is responsive to contemporary lifestyles while rooted in local cultural values, particularly those related to family cohesion.

## Spatial Organization

The design features a strategic layout that prioritizes functionality and interaction. The ground floor accommodates essential living areas, including a central living space that promotes family engagement and a garden that extends indoor activities outdoors. The layout is complemented by a well-connected circulation pattern linking private and communal spaces. On the first floor, a corridor serves as a distribution point for bedrooms, ensuring privacy while maintaining accessibility to shared areas.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials emphasizes efficiency, durability, and cultural resonance. Precast concrete is used for its construction efficiency and robustness, facilitating quality assurance. The exterior cladding features a dual texture with smooth finishes contrasted by rough surfaces, generating visual variety. A green terrace on the roof enhances the building's ecological footprint, supporting biodiversity and thermal comfort. Additionally, the design incorporates a comprehensive sun path analysis to optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain, thereby promoting energy efficiency throughout the year.

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

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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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