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Rammed Earth and Photovoltaic Glass Transform a Family Home into a Sustainable Oasis

Authors:
Rim Soubat, Ikram Majed
Rammed Earth and Photovoltaic Glass Transform a Family Home into a Sustainable Oasis

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and smart opaque glass, this residence enhances its environmental performance while providing a flexible family living space designed to adapt to changing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional rammed earth construction for thermal efficiency and durability.
02
Features smart opaque glass to balance privacy with natural light.
03
Utilizes badgir for passive cooling, reflecting local climate adaptation.
04
Includes flexible room layouts to accommodate evolving family needs.
05
Integrates photovoltaic glass for enhanced energy sustainability.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the Prospective Memory House reflects a synthesis of contemporary design principles and traditional building methods. This residential structure is designed to address the complexities of modern family life while accommodating future needs. The conceptual framework is centered on the theme of prospective memory, aiming to create an environment that evolves over time and allows users to engage with their past and future aspirations.

### Spatial Organization
The house is organized into interconnected volumes designated for various functions, balancing communal and private spaces. Key spatial elements include an expansive entryway that leads into the interior, landscaped courtyards that integrate natural light and greenery, and distinct zones for private living and service functions. This layout promotes both interaction and individual privacy, allowing occupants to navigate their daily lives seamlessly. The design also incorporates flexible spaces that can adapt to diverse family configurations, enhancing its usability across different household structures.

### Material Selection
A thoughtful selection of materials underscores both local heritage and contemporary sustainability practices. Rammed earth serves as the primary structural material, providing natural insulation while connecting with regional building traditions. Marble details reflect the area's history of high-quality finishes, while outdoor wood accents create a warm ambiance. Innovative applications of smart opaque glass maximize natural light without compromising privacy, and the integration of geothermal energy systems provides efficient climate control. Together, these materials enhance both the aesthetic and environmental performance of the dwelling.

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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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