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Solar-Powered Complex Featuring Natural Stone and Arched Design Elements

Authors:
Marco Orto, Domenico Giovanni Cacciapaglia, Federica Poggio
Solar-Powered Complex Featuring Natural Stone and Arched Design Elements

Project in-detail

Combining solar power generation with natural stone and innovative arched design elements, the residential complex offers adaptable living spaces while prioritizing sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Arched openings optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the living spaces.
02
Integrated solar panels serve dual functions as shading devices and energy generators.
03
Locally sourced natural stone enhances aesthetic appeal and reduces environmental impact.
04
Adaptable floor plans promote flexible use of spaces for varying resident needs.
05
Smart home technologies automatically adjust energy consumption based on user behavior.
This architectural design project involves a sustainable residential complex that integrates modern living requirements with energy-efficient features and culturally relevant aesthetics. The architecture emphasizes environmental responsibility, functional spaces, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. This project serves as both a personal living environment and a community hub, promoting social interaction while ensuring individual privacy.

Implementation of traditional design elements, such as arched openings, reflects a respect for historical architectural styles, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. The project employs a neutral color palette that not only harmonizes with the natural surroundings but also enhances the visual coherence of the complex.

Sustainability is a core aspect of this design. Architecturally, the layout includes prefabricated structures that speed up construction while minimizing waste. Energy efficiency is achieved through the strategic placement of solar panels on both the façade and the roofing system, enhancing the building's energy performance. The introduction of water recycling systems and efficient insulation materials further supports the complex’s ecological objectives, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

Unique Design Features

This project distinguishes itself through its innovative integration of traditional forms with contemporary functionality. The use of arched design elements not only pays homage to local architectural heritage but also optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the living spaces. The architecture supports adaptive living arrangements, allowing residents to modify spaces according to their changing needs. This flexibility is evident in the adaptable layouts of the communal spaces and private areas, which include a multipurpose majlis, living room, and children's playroom.

The architectural design incorporates smart home technologies that enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. By integrating automated lighting and environmental controls, the project minimizes energy consumption based on the residents’ behavioral patterns.

Interior Configuration and Materiality

The spatial organization reflects a thoughtful approach to community interaction, with communal areas located at the ground level and private quarters upstairs. This segregation promotes both social connectivity and personal retreat. The materials selected for the project align with sustainability goals, emphasizing the use of locally sourced natural stone finishes. These materials strengthen the link between the structures and their geographical context, reducing transportation-related emissions.

The use of operable windows enhances ventilation and contributes to passive heating and cooling strategies. The well-considered relationship between indoor and outdoor environments encourages natural airflow, further enhancing the comfort of the residents. The innovative structural choices and a robust focus on community-oriented design culminate in an architectural solution that addresses contemporary living while honoring local traditions.

For additional insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented in this project, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. Doing so will provide a comprehensive understanding of the innovative methodologies employed and the architectural integrity established throughout the design process.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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