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Recycled PET and Photovoltaic Integration in Modular Desert Living

Authors:
Dagmara Magdalena Oliwa-pyzik, Aleksandra Barbara Likus
Recycled PET and Photovoltaic Integration in Modular Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled PET and integrated photovoltaic systems, the design offers modular living spaces that promote sustainability and community engagement in Dubai's desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled PET in structural components to enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates photovoltaic panels directly into building roofs for energy efficiency.
03
Features an innovative hybrid cooling system that maximizes natural airflow.
04
Designs modular spaces that allow for personalization by residents.
05
Integrates communal gardens to foster community engagement and green spaces.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, the Desert Flowers project embodies a contemporary architectural approach that integrates innovative design with sustainable living principles. The design reflects the arid desert environment while incorporating advanced technologies, aiming to create a cohesive relationship between urban life and nature. The project serves not only as a residential complex but also as a touchstone of the Emirati cultural identity.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design emphasizes adaptability in residential spaces, encouraging occupants to personalize their homes while fostering a sense of connection to the community. Central to this concept is a communal garden that symbolizes shared growth and interaction among residents. Each residence is organized around a central atrium, promoting natural ventilation and offering an ecological environment conducive to personal and communal gardening.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The project strategically employs a range of sustainable materials aimed at enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal. Key components include:

- **Glass**: Maximizes natural light while seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments.
- **Recycled PET**: Used in customizable building elements, supporting waste reduction.
- **Concrete**: Provides structural integrity, designed to withstand extreme climatic conditions.
- **Photovoltaic Cells**: Integrated into roofing systems, contributing to energy independence.
- **Composite Panels**: Enhance thermal insulation and allow for creative architectural flexibility.
- **Modular Systems**: Facilitate customization and responsiveness to the evolving needs of residents.

Additionally, the incorporation of a hybrid cooling system and smart home technologies enhances energy efficiency and indoor comfort, merging modern amenities with sustainable practices. Cultural motifs are reinterpreted within the design, linking traditional Arabic influences with contemporary architectural expressions.

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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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