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Solar-Focusing Circular Home Featuring Dri-Design Cassette Panels for Enhanced Sustainability

Authors:
Stefania Ivanova Atova, Aleksandar Danielov Sarov, Teodor Desislavov Angelov
Solar-Focusing Circular Home Featuring Dri-Design Cassette Panels for Enhanced Sustainability

Project in-detail

A solar-focusing circular design utilizing Dri-Design cassette panels promotes energy efficiency and resilience, offering a sustainable living solution in tropical savanna climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on columns to minimize flood risk and facilitate ventilation.
02
Rotatable roof design maximizes solar energy capture throughout the day.
03
Dri-Design cassette panels streamline construction and enhance thermal efficiency.
04
Circular layout optimizes space utilization and promotes natural light distribution.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports water independence in dry conditions.

The "1.5°C" sustainable modular house project addresses the urgent issue of climate change within the context of tropical savanna environments. This design serves as a resilient living space that integrates advanced technologies with sustainable practices. The modular structure is specifically engineered to provide safe and comfortable accommodation while responding to the challenges of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and rising temperatures.

The project encompasses a circular footprint, optimized for natural light distribution and adaptability in usage. The design includes distinct functional areas: a living/work space, sleeping quarters, a compact kitchen, and essential bathroom facilities. This layout prioritizes flexibility, allowing inhabitants to modify the space according to their needs.

Materiality is a central concern in the architectural approach, emphasizing durability and environmental sustainability. The key materials used in the construction are plaster with finishing, structural insulation panels, and the Dri-Design cassette system. These selections enhance the building's thermal efficiency and streamline the assembly process. Elevated on columns, the structure minimizes flood risk, reinforcing its resilience.

Innovative Design Approaches

The project sets itself apart through several unique design features. One significant element is the rotatable roof mechanism, designed to maximize solar energy collection by adjusting to the sun’s trajectory. This flexibility enhances energy efficiency, providing a reliable off-grid solution for its inhabitants.

The modularity of the house enables easy transportation and quick assembly, making it suitable for various living scenarios, from temporary shelters to permanent residences. Additionally, multifunctional furniture solutions allow for effective use of space, an essential feature in compact living environments.

Sustainability measures are integrated throughout the design. The project includes a rainwater harvesting system and a greywater recycling feature, crucial for reducing dependency on local water sources. Furthermore, a compostable toilet system minimizes waste, aligning with the overall goal of low environmental impact.

It is beneficial for interested readers to explore the architectural plans and sections to understand the comprehensive design strategies applied in this project. Such an examination will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas and innovations that define the "1.5°C" modular house. By reviewing these elements, one can fully appreciate how this design addresses sustainable living amid the realities of climate change.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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