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Solar Chimneys and 3D Printed Concrete in Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Ker Hong Ngu, Zhouyang Wu
Solar Chimneys and 3D Printed Concrete in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D printed concrete façades and solar chimneys, the design integrates sustainable elements into a communal living environment that promotes both energy efficiency and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed concrete façades reduce construction waste while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Solar chimneys are integrated for natural ventilation, improving indoor air quality.
03
The design features adaptable multi-purpose rooms for flexible living arrangements.
04
A communal courtyard fosters social interaction among residents while promoting green space.
05
Efficient water recycling systems support sustainability and responsible resource management.

### Project Overview

The townhouse development is situated on a 365 square meter plot in Dubai, addressing specific design constraints while fostering community interaction and private living. With a focus on sustainable design principles, the project responds effectively to the region's high temperatures and significant sun exposure through thoughtful spatial planning.

### Spatial Planning and Community Integration

This design emphasizes the interplay between public and private spaces, featuring a communal courtyard that encourages interaction among residents. Architectural strategies have been implemented to ensure that shared areas complement individual units, promoting a sense of community while maintaining privacy. The design aligns with competition requirements by optimizing land use, achieving a reduction in land requirements by 150 square meters, thereby prioritizing communal benefits over private ownership.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects a combination of modern construction techniques and traditional craftsmanship. Notable materials include 3D printed concrete for facades, which minimizes construction waste, and structural insulated panels (SIPs) that enhance thermal efficiency during the building’s lifecycle. Additionally, the integration of solar energy solutions, such as roof-mounted photovoltaic cells and solar chimneys, underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. The design also incorporates efficient water management strategies and a calculated Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) to optimize passive cooling, minimizing reliance on artificial air conditioning. This focus on materiality and environmental efficiency positions the project as a forward-thinking model within contemporary architectural discourse.

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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