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Solar-Activated Façade with Native Landscaping for Sustainable Living

Author:
Piyusha Rutwij Bokil Taware Ashok Govindras Rutwij
Solar-Activated Façade with Native Landscaping for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Integrating a solar-activated façade with locally sourced materials and native landscaping, this residence exemplifies environmental sensitivity while providing a harmonious living environment in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a solar-activated façade that enhances energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize carbon footprint.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for optimal ventilation and light.
05
Landscapes integrate native vegetation to promote local biodiversity.

## Project Overview

The 60° House is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is designed to address contemporary residential needs while honoring local cultural contexts. The project aims to integrate innovation with sustainability, prioritizing functionality and aesthetic coherence. Its design is rooted in the foundational principles of the Golden Ratio, promoting both flexibility in living spaces and the preservation of Emirati heritage.

## Spatial Configuration

The spatial organization of the 60° House emphasizes diverse social interactions through flexible zones. The building’s form features strategically placed openings that enhance natural ventilation, a critical consideration for the hot Dubai climate. The arrangement of spaces follows a proportional grid, facilitating both functional layouts and engaging sight lines. This approach carefully balances privacy in personal areas with openness in communal spaces.

## Sustainable Materials and Systems

The selection of materials is instrumental in minimizing the home's environmental footprint while enhancing overall energy efficiency. Locally sourced sustainable materials are utilized throughout, including a secondary skin constructed from solar photovoltaic cells. This façade not only provides shading and privacy but also integrates solar technology to support the home’s energy needs. Additionally, the landscaping employs native plants and permeable pavement systems, contributing to enhanced air quality and stormwater management. These features reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility, particularly within the region's challenging climatic conditions.

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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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