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Regenerated Concrete and Local Wood Create Sustainable Family Living in a Connected Community

Authors:
Jagoda Saric, Boris Paradanin, Konstantina Marsenic
Regenerated Concrete and Local Wood Create Sustainable Family Living in a Connected Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled concrete and sustainably sourced local wood, the design fosters community interaction and environmental stewardship while providing adaptable family living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled concrete for structural elements, reducing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates locally sourced wood to support regional sustainability practices.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to improve energy efficiency through natural ventilation.
04
Integrates a greywater recycling system for irrigation, promoting water conservation.
05
Creates semi-public spaces that enhance community engagement and family interaction.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, this architectural project addresses the needs of a family within the context of a SMART Terrace Housing Complex. It aims to enhance community integration while upholding principles of environmental sustainability and innovative design. The residence is designed not only as a personal living space but also as a component of a larger neighborhood, fostering connections among residents through the incorporation of shared spaces.

### Spatial Configuration and Connectivity

The layout is organized into distinct functional zones, designed to support various family activities while ensuring privacy and social interaction. The key spatial areas include a Family Zone for intimate gatherings, a Guest Zone for accommodating visitors, an Outdoor Zone that encourages engagement with the natural environment, and a Service Zone dedicated to practical elements like kitchens and utility spaces.

The master plan incorporates pedestrian pathways that connect to the broader urban context, emphasizing accessibility and active transport. It highlights areas within a 10 to 30-minute walking radius, strategically promoting interaction between the newly developed housing and existing neighborhoods, in alignment with urban growth strategies in Dubai.

### Sustainability and Materiality

A commitment to environmental sustainability is central to the project’s material choices and construction practices. Sustainable materials, such as recycled concrete and locally sourced mangrove wood, are utilized to minimize ecological impact. Additionally, the project employs hydrophobic mortar and local marine bio-materials, enhancing durability and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

Construction techniques prioritize efficiency through modular prefabrication and the use of a pop-up production unit that minimizes waste and carbon emissions. Solar panels are incorporated to harness renewable energy, supporting the household's long-term ecological goals. Passive cooling strategies, including the integration of sun screens and greywater recycling systems, further augment the project’s sustainability initiatives.

### Architectural Aesthetics

The architectural style reflects a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati design, characterized by soft curves, arched windows, and a harmonious color palette that aligns with the natural sandstone tones prevalent in the region. The integration of landscaping, featuring palm trees and shrubs, enhances visual appeal and contributes to a cohesive environment that respects local heritage.

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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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