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Sedar Tree-Centric Design With Modular Clay Breeze Blocks and Gabion Walls for Sustainable Living

Author:
Abdulla Abdulrahman Abdulla Alhamed
Sedar Tree-Centric Design With Modular Clay Breeze Blocks and Gabion Walls for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Integrating a central sedar tree with modular clay breeze blocks and gabion walls, the design promotes sustainable living while reflecting cultural heritage in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes modular clay breeze blocks for enhanced thermal efficiency and traditional aesthetic.
02
Incorporates gabion walls for structural stability and natural landscape integration.
03
Features a central sedar tree that serves as a focal point for outdoor living spaces.
04
Integrates advanced smart home systems for energy management and user comfort.
05
Employs an open-plan layout that fosters seamless indoor-outdoor connections.

### Overview
Dubai Living Space 4.0 represents a strategic development in sustainable residential architecture, responding to the UAE's rapid urbanization and environmental challenges. The project integrates advanced technologies and eco-friendly materials to establish a modern living environment that respects local cultural traditions.

### Spatial Configuration and Material Use
The design features a multi-level configuration with five distinct levels, totaling a built-up area of 312.5 m². The layout emphasizes an open-plan design that facilitates fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing connectivity with the surrounding environment. Key materials include modular clay breeze blocks for thermal efficiency, vernacular carbon 3D woven gabion walls for structural integrity, and elevated modular terrazzo floors that support water reuse initiatives. Natural wood finishes contribute warmth and aesthetic value to the living spaces.

### Technological Integration and Sustainability
Incorporation of smart home systems enables automation and energy management, optimizing environmental performance through artificial intelligence. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, promotes self-sustaining energy solutions. Interactive digital home mood displays further enhance resident experience by allowing customization of living conditions. The design anticipates future enhancements, ensuring scalability and adaptability to evolving needs, while the landscaped terraces and courtyards foster biodiversity and natural air filtration. These elements integrate modern practices with traditional Emirati influences, reflecting a comprehensive approach to residential living in the region.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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