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Smart Ceramic Facade and Community-Centric Courtyard Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions

Author:
Zeinat Qadamani
Smart Ceramic Facade and Community-Centric Courtyard Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions

Project in-detail

A smart ceramic façade dynamically adapts to environmental conditions while the central courtyard fosters community interaction, creating a sustainable residential space designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
A smart ceramic façade adapts color based on weather conditions for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
The central courtyard integrates a water feature to promote relaxation and social interaction.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
04
An artificial intelligence system enhances user engagement within communal spaces.
05
Flexible interior layouts allow for the transformation of spaces to accommodate various activities.

### Overview

The "Smart Courtyard" project is situated within an urban context that emphasizes a blend of traditional Arab architectural elements and modern living requirements. It aims to modernize the concept of the Arab house, transforming the courtyard into a multifunctional space that facilitates social interaction while integrating contemporary technologies. The design acknowledges the evolving role of digital connections in everyday life while maintaining the essence of community, hospitality, and relaxation central to its cultural heritage.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout features a central courtyard that serves as the focal point of the residence, promoting natural light and ventilation throughout the building. This organization enhances visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating communal activities. The ground floor is dedicated to shared living areas, including a kitchen and dining room, which are linked directly to the courtyard, accompanied by a fountain that enriches the sensory experience. Private living spaces occupy the upper levels, with each room oriented to overlook the courtyard, reinforcing a consistent indoor-outdoor relationship.

### Innovative Material and Smart Features

A key element of the project's materiality is the use of Smart Ceramic, which alters its color in response to weather conditions, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. The architectural composition includes durable materials such as concrete for structural integrity, expansive glass for natural lighting, and vegetation for improved air quality and biodiversity. In addition to these physical components, smart technology is integrated into the home, featuring a centralized information hub that interacts with wearable devices to monitor health and wellness and facilitate engagement within shared spaces. This combination of advanced materials and intelligent systems creates a versatile living environment that balances modern comforts with traditional values.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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