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Rammed Earth Construction With Heat-Reflective Glass in Sustainable Desert Housing

Author:
Christele Ziade
Rammed Earth Construction With Heat-Reflective Glass in Sustainable Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and heat-reflective glass, the design utilizes modular units to create a community-focused sustainable residence in Dubai's desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed earth for thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates a central covered courtyard designed for communal gatherings.
03
Utilizes heat-reflective glass to minimize heat gain and enhance natural lighting.
04
Features modular units that allow for flexible expansion based on family needs.
05
Employs a greywater recycling system to promote sustainable water management.

### Overview of the Project
This architectural design is situated in Dubai, UAE, and aims to provide a sustainable living environment that respects and integrates Emirati cultural values. It combines traditional architectural practices with contemporary construction techniques to address the specific climatic challenges of the desert. The project emphasizes modular design, which offers adaptability and customization while fostering a sense of community among residents.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Focus
The project incorporates a two-story covered courtyard, a hallmark of traditional Emirati homes, designed to encourage social interaction and cultural gatherings. This central space links various living areas with the outdoors and serves as a passive climate control element. Additional family-oriented amenities, including playrooms and outdoor grilling areas, reflect the importance of communal spaces in the cultural context of the region.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategies
The design utilizes a range of environmentally responsive materials such as rammed earth, heat-reflective glass, and sustainable loam flooring to enhance thermal efficiency and make use of local resources. The construction employs advanced techniques, including Prefab Lightweight Insulated Panels (SIPS), which support scalability and flexibility for evolving family needs. Sustainable features include solar panels, greywater recycling systems, and rainwater collection, collectively promoting off-grid living and effective resource management in arid conditions.

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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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