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Reflective Facades and Compact Laminate Panels in a Contemporary Residential Haven

Authors:
KÜrŞad Kaya, Funda Alyanak Kaya
Reflective Facades and Compact Laminate Panels in a Contemporary Residential Haven

Project in-detail

Utilizing compact laminate panels and natural stone travertine, this contemporary residence addresses sustainability through reflective facades and modern cooling strategies, ultimately creating a functional family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes natural stone travertine for thermal regulation and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates solar panels mounted on a reflective roof for energy efficiency.
03
Features compact laminate panels that enhance durability and moisture resistance.
04
Includes traditional windcatcher design elements for enhanced natural ventilation.
05
Employs greywater recycling systems for efficient water management.

### Overview

The HM House project is located in the United Arab Emirates and aims to symbolize cultural unity and innovation through its architectural design. The structure reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the region, featuring a segmented massing form that encapsulates varying influences while accommodating modern living requirements. With a site area of 450 m² and a built area of 300 m², the design integrates both private and communal spaces, responding to the local context as well as contemporary global influences.

### Massing and Materiality

The architectural expression is articulated through segmented forms that delineate both individual and collective identities. These overlapping masses create dynamic visual relationships, enhancing the overall spatial experience. The façade employs heat and moisture-resistant compact laminate panels mounted on a steel framework, ensuring durability. Traditional materials such as natural stone travertine are used to reflect cultural context while promoting sustainability. The interior features light concrete bricks for thermal insulation, with decorative plaster applied through artisanal techniques that reinforce the narrative of cultural heritage.

### Sustainability Strategies

Incorporating both passive and active systems, the design prioritizes sustainability. Solar panels integrated into the roof contribute to energy efficiency, while natural ventilation strategies, inspired by traditional Emirati wind towers, facilitate airflow and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. Water management systems include a reflective pool for rainwater collection and greywater recycling, significantly enhancing water conservation efforts. The layout encompasses flexible living areas and multi-functional spaces that support diverse household activities while maintaining privacy, resonating with local cultural values on security and community interaction.

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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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