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Rainwater Harvesting With Exposed Concrete And Walnut Accents In A Sustainable Desert Dwelling

Author:
Mario Alejandro Martinez Cerro
Rainwater Harvesting With Exposed Concrete And Walnut Accents In A Sustainable Desert Dwelling

Project in-detail

Incorporating rainwater harvesting and exposed concrete with walnut accents, this sustainable dwelling in Dubai is designed to adapt to its environment while providing a comfortable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a phased design for evolving family needs.
02
Utilizes locally sourced walnut for warm interior finishes.
03
Features rainwater harvesting integrated within its structure.
04
Adopts exposed concrete to enhance thermal performance.
05
Angular block configuration optimizes natural light intake.

## Project Overview

The House of the Future is situated in Dubai, designed to address the challenges of living in a desert environment. The intent is to create a residence that emphasizes adaptability and sustainability while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape. This residential structure integrates modern amenities with careful consideration of climatic factors, resulting in an environment that balances functionality and aesthetics.

## Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates a volumetric composition that juxtaposes solid forms with open spaces. Characterized by distinctive angular blocks, the exterior presents a contemporary aesthetic while enhancing privacy and functionality. The configuration promotes an efficient flow between communal and private areas, with a thoughtfully organized layout consisting of defined zones for bedrooms, living spaces, and utility areas. The residence's three-phase adaptability allows for an evolving living arrangement: an initial foundational space for immediate use, a subsequent phase for enhanced living areas to accommodate a growing family, and a final phase that may include communal facilities or adaptive functions.

## Material and Sustainability

Emphasizing local materials, the construction includes walnut wood for wall cladding and furnishings, exposed concrete for structural integrity, and marble flooring to aid temperature regulation. Specific choices such as fluted concrete, local stone, and brown leather furnishings contribute to both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Sustainability is embedded in the design through features like rooftop solar panels for renewable energy, a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and domestic uses, and landscaped areas that create a cooler microclimate. Each element is deliberately selected to support both environmental goals and enhance the livability of the space.

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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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