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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.
The "60° House" is an innovative architectural project located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, designed to meet the demands of contemporary living while integrating principles of sustainability. This residence is conceived with a mindful approach towards modern design, emphasizing both functionality and the cultural context of its location. By seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces, the project enhances user interaction with its environment while promoting natural light and ventilation.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The architectural layout of the 60° House employs a grid-based organization that effectively delineates public and private domains. Flexible living zones are arranged to support varied social interactions, with the design encouraging family cohesion and community engagement. Enveloping the structure are large openings that foster a strong connection to the outdoor areas, allowing for cross-ventilation and improved lighting conditions.

An essential element of this project is its adept handling of the hot climate in Dubai. The architectural massing incorporates shaded outdoor spaces, optimized to reduce heat gain while offering comfortable living environments. The careful placement of rooms in relation to one another enhances functionality, ensuring privacy in sleeping areas while accommodating open communal spaces for leisure and gatherings.

Unique Architectural Features

A distinctive attribute of the 60° House is its innovative secondary skin, constructed from solar photovoltaic cells. This signature design feature not only enhances the building's aesthetic but also maximizes its energy efficiency. The façade not only provides solar energy to the household but also serves to regulate temperature, creating a thermally efficient environment.

The project prioritizes sustainable practices, employing locally sourced materials that contribute to minimal environmental impact. The integration of permeable pavement systems promotes effective water management, addressing local concerns about stormwater runoff. Such environmentally conscious design approaches illustrate a commitment to sustainability in the urban context, enhancing resilience to climate variability.

Connection with the Environment

The design effectively incorporates landscaping with native vegetation, which contributes to biodiversity and supports local ecosystems. This focus on ecological compatibility enhances air quality around the residence and aligns with sustainable living principles central to the project’s ethos.

Additionally, the use of compact, low-profile forms reduces the building's visual footprint, creating a harmonious dialogue with surrounding structures. The thoughtful coordination of indoor and outdoor spaces promotes an integrated lifestyle, encouraging interactions with the external environment without compromising comfort.

For those interested in a detailed exploration of the "60° House," including its architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, a deeper look at the project presentation is encouraged. This examination will provide further insights into its design strategy and sustainability features, revealing how this project stands out in the architectural landscape.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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