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Solar Chimneys and Textile Facades in Sustainable Residential Design

Solar Chimneys and Textile Facades in Sustainable Residential Design
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Utilizing solar chimneys and textile facades, the design achieves effective passive cooling and sustainable living in a context-sensitive residential structure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes solar chimneys for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates textile facades for thermal regulation.
03
Features a central green corridor connecting living spaces.
04
Employs prefabricated construction techniques for efficiency.
05
Integrates local materials to reflect regional identity.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, Solaris presents a contemporary architectural response that addresses both environmental and cultural contexts of the region. Emphasizing efficiency through prefabricated construction, the design aligns with sustainability goals while incorporating traditional design elements relevant to local architectural heritage. The project aims to integrate itself within the urban landscape, addressing community needs while responding effectively to the challenging climatic conditions.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The spatial organization of Solaris prioritizes connectivity between indoor and outdoor realms, facilitated by expansive glass windows and sliding doors. The ground floor features an open-plan layout, seamlessly connecting living spaces with a central green corridor, which serves as a passage to outdoor areas. On the first floor, private spaces are arranged around a shared atrium, fostering a balance between intimacy and community while ensuring ample natural light and ventilation throughout the dwelling.

### Material Selection and Environmental Performance

The materiality of Solaris plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and functional performance. Locally sourced materials, including clay bricks, concrete, and fine clay plaster, are utilized to reflect and adapt to the region's climate, while also linking to historical building practices. The inclusion of aluminum and structural steel components supports the prefabricated framework, promoting a lighter structural system. Notably, the design employs textile facades that enhance thermal comfort while contributing to the overall visual appeal. Environmental strategies incorporate thermal mass principles and integrated solar chimneys, optimizing passive cooling and ventilation in response to the intense heat of the Emirates climate. Outdoor shaded corridors further enhance comfort, minimizing direct sunlight exposure.

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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.

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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

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