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Sustainable Design Featuring Mosaic Tiles and Aluminum Sun Breakers in a Contemporary Residential Setting

Author:
Tammam Mohammad Muhsen
Sustainable Design Featuring Mosaic Tiles and Aluminum Sun Breakers in a Contemporary Residential Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating porcelain tiles and aluminum sun breakers, the residence exemplifies contemporary design with an emphasis on sustainable living, offering flexible spaces for modern family interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes extensive aluminum sun breakers to enhance natural light control while minimizing heat gain.
02
Incorporates porcelain tiles for high durability and ease of maintenance throughout living spaces.
03
Features a versatile open plan that efficiently connects communal and private areas for modern living.
04
Integrates landscaped outdoor seating that complements the interior spaces and promotes interaction.
05
Designed with energy-efficient systems that support sustainable residential living.

## Overview
Located in a suburban context, the two-story residence is designed with a focus on contemporary aesthetics and functionality while seamlessly integrating natural elements. The intent of the design is to create a living environment that facilitates family interaction without sacrificing individual privacy, presenting an efficient spatial organization that addresses modern living needs.

## Spatial Strategy
The residence's layout is divided into distinct zones across two levels. The ground floor features communal areas including a living room, dining room, kitchen, and outdoor seating, promoting an open flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additional functional spaces, such as a maid’s room and storage, enhance the household's operational efficiency. The inclusion of terraces, landscaped gardens, and parking accommodations reflects a comprehensive approach to site utility while maintaining an appealing exterior.

The first floor comprises multiple bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, ensuring privacy for residents. A centrally located lobby facilitates ease of movement throughout the upper level, contributing to a cohesive spatial experience.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials is integral to the building's character and functionality. Key materials include polished and non-slip porcelain tiles for aesthetic appeal and safety, mosaic tiles that enhance leisure areas, and durable concrete tiles used in outdoor pathways. The use of cast aluminum for door details adds a modern touch, while epoxy paint in neutral tones promotes a clean interior look. Aluminum sun breakers provide shading and enhance energy efficiency by optimizing natural light.

Sustainability features include integrated solar panels on the roof, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally responsible design. The holistic integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is further enhanced by extensive glazing, allowing for natural light to permeate living areas.

The project stands as a representation of modern residential architecture, effectively balancing aesthetic appeal, practicality, and sustainability through thoughtful design and material choices.

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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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