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Reclaimed Wood and Gfrg Structure Emphasizing Courtyards for Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Utilizing glass fiber reinforced gypsum and reclaimed wood, this residential design creates a network of interconnected courtyards that facilitate community engagement while maintaining individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes glass fiber reinforced gypsum panels for structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates a greywater recycling system for sustainable water management.
03
Features a network of courtyards designed for social interaction.
04
Integrates cooling fabrics in the facade for natural temperature regulation.
05
Emphasizes outdoor living spaces with native landscaping.

### Overview
"Connected Growth" is a residential design project located in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to address contemporary challenges of technological isolation and social fragmentation in urban environments. The intent of the project is to foster community engagement while maintaining individual privacy. It draws inspiration from traditional architectural elements combined with modern sustainable technologies, creating a living space that serves both as a home and a social nexus.

### Spatial Organization
The project features a meticulously crafted layout centered around a central atrium, which acts as the core of the structure. This spatial arrangement enhances natural ventilation and light, promoting climatic comfort. Communal areas such as kitchens and dining spaces on the ground floor connect to outdoor gathering areas, encouraging interaction among residents. Incorporating a courtyard design reminiscent of historical UAE districts, the configuration emphasizes communal spaces supported by semi-public pedestrian access, enhancing mobility and social engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The architectural design utilizes a variety of innovative materials. Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) panels, known for their lightweight and ecologically friendly properties, significantly reduce embodied carbon and are employed in various structural components. Reclaimed wood sourced from local areas adds warmth to the interiors while enhancing sustainability. The facade features cooling fabric that absorbs moisture to promote natural cooling, addressing climate-related challenges. Additionally, liquid crystal technology integrated within skylights provides adjustable light conditions, reducing reliance on electric lighting, while a greywater recycling system minimizes water wastage by repurposing used water for irrigation.

Landscaped areas featuring native flora further promote biodiversity, providing serene green spaces for recreational use. The design's strategic material selection and structural form actively respond to the challenges of the UAE's desert climate, while achieving a 30% reduction in structural costs through the innovative use of GFRG panels.

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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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