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Solar Harvesting Residence Featuring Natural Ventilation and Native Landscaping

Authors:
Gilead Duvshani, Amir Salomon
Solar Harvesting Residence Featuring Natural Ventilation and Native Landscaping

Project in-detail

Constructed with prestressed concrete and integrated solar harvesting systems, the residence emphasizes natural ventilation and native landscaping to create an environmentally responsive family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated solar harvesting systems capture moisture from humidity for water reuse.
02
A central courtyard features native plants that enhance biodiversity and reduce irrigation needs.
03
Prestressed concrete elements allow for expansive open living spaces without internal columns.
04
Natural ventilation strategies optimize airflow, significantly reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
The design accommodates future expansions while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the original structure.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the "Well of Desert Stars" residential development integrates contemporary design with traditional Arabian architectural elements. Its intent is to harmonize modern living with the environmental and cultural context of the region, focusing on sustainability and community cohesion. Central to the design is an open courtyard, traditionally significant for providing shade and privacy in the harsh climate, which enhances social interaction and natural ventilation throughout the dwelling.

### Spatial Organization
The ground floor layout facilitates seamless movement within living spaces, all oriented toward the central courtyard that features a tranquil pool, reinforcing the theme of water as a source of life and aesthetic pleasure. Functional areas, including the kitchen and living spaces, are strategically positioned for direct access to this outdoor space, promoting an interconnected living experience. The upper levels are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for future modifications to accommodate changing family needs while preserving the architectural integrity of the original structure.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Materials selected for the project reflect local and sustainable practices. Concrete and steel are utilized for their durability and structural integrity, while prestressed concrete minimizes weight without compromising strength. Infill panels made of lightweight materials enhance insulation, and solar panels are incorporated for energy efficiency and water harvesting. The façade features natural stone and plaster finishes, echoing regional building traditions. Additionally, the design includes advanced strategies for natural ventilation and innovative water management systems, underlining a commitment to environmental responsibility. Native vegetation in the landscaping further supports local biodiversity and improves residents' quality of life.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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