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Sustainable Home Utilizing Ashcrete and EPS Panels for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Authors:
Sophie Adaugo C. Imo, Urbi Mazhar, Barnabas Marcos Madzokere
Sustainable Home Utilizing Ashcrete and EPS Panels for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Project in-detail

Utilizing Ashcrete and EPS panels for thermal efficiency, this innovative residential design promotes sustainable living while fostering community engagement within a family-oriented structure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Ashcrete for sustainable construction by recycling waste materials.
02
Incorporates expanded polystyrene panels for improved thermal insulation.
03
Features flexible folding compound walls that adapt to changing needs.
04
Design includes shaded outdoor areas to enhance comfort in a hot climate.
05
Balconies are integrated into each bedroom, promoting outdoor connectivity.

**Overview**

The "House of the Future" project is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and focuses on redefining residential space in response to urbanization and resource limitations. The intent is to create a home that serves not only as shelter but also as a nurturing environment that fosters community and enhances interpersonal relationships. The design considers the needs of diverse age groups, offering interconnected communal areas along with private spaces that uphold the principles of traditional Middle Eastern living.

**Spatial Configuration**

The project's spatial organization comprises a well-defined ground floor and first floor, each serving distinct functional purposes. The ground floor is dedicated to common living areas, facilitating social interaction through an open layout, ensuring efficient flow between spaces. In contrast, the first floor accommodates private quarters, including bedrooms with balconies that promote personal reflection while maintaining visual connections with the exterior. The interplay of areas is emphasized through a vertical circulation system, featuring an open stair lobby that enhances communication between residents.

**Material Selection and Construction Techniques**

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project, utilizing a range of durable and sustainable components. Expanded Polystyrene Panels are incorporated for their lightweight thermal insulation properties, while Ashcrete represents a commitment to ecological responsibility through waste recycling. The inclusion of sustainably sourced Palmwood adds aesthetic warmth, reflective of the local culture, complemented by corrosion-resistant Aluminium in structural applications. The use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) further enhances the building's energy performance and fire resistance, allowing for design flexibility that accommodates future adaptations without significant renovations.

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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

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