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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.

### Overview

The proposed residential complex is situated within a context that emphasizes sustainability while respecting traditional architectural elements. The design integrates local materials and prioritizes energy efficiency, aiming to create a cohesive living environment that addresses the needs of its residents.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout promotes interaction among residents while providing necessary privacy. The ground floor includes communal areas such as a traditional **majlis**, a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen, thereby encouraging social engagement. The first and second floors are dedicated to private spaces, featuring bedrooms and flexible rooms for activities like a children’s playroom and a home office. Large windows are strategically placed throughout to enhance natural light and facilitate cross-ventilation.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects a focus on sustainability and environmental impact. Prefabricated structures enhance construction efficiency, while locally sourced natural stone finishes reduce transportation emissions. Energy efficiency is further supported by the inclusion of solar panels on both the façade and roof, complementing high-quality insulation materials that aid in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

A water recycling system is incorporated to repurpose household water for gardening and other non-potable uses. Additionally, smart technologies, including AI-driven lighting and climate controls, optimize energy consumption by adapting to the residents’ behaviors. Natural ventilation and shading techniques are utilized to reduce solar heat gain, enhancing comfort during warmer periods. The design successfully marries modern technology with an appreciation for cultural aesthetics and the surrounding environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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