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Sustainable Limestone Facade Embracing Natural Light in a Courtyard-Driven Home

Author:
Agha Hanee Murtaza
Sustainable Limestone Facade Embracing Natural Light in a Courtyard-Driven Home

Project in-detail

Employing a limestone facade and generous use of glass, this residence integrates multiple courtyards to enhance natural ventilation and light, creating a balanced environment for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive use of limestone for a unique, textured facade.
02
Features multiple courtyards to enhance privacy and natural ventilation.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels to promote energy self-sufficiency.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.

### Project Overview

BAIT-E-BUSTAN is located in the United Arab Emirates and emphasizes sustainability through a design that balances contemporary living with ecological principles. The architectural intent focuses on integrating natural elements into residential spaces, ensuring an optimal flow of natural light and air while fostering a direct connection with the surrounding environment.

### Massing and Environmental Integration

The building's linear massing features carefully articulated volumes that invite interaction with the natural landscape. Varied heights and protrusions create visual depth, enhancing the project's overall aesthetic. Courtyards serve as vital components, promoting natural ventilation and daylighting while maintaining privacy for residents. The design also incorporates rooftop gardens, offering multifunctional spaces that blend relaxation with utility.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

The facade harmonizes modernity with natural textures, utilizing limestone for exterior walls, expansive glass panels for views and natural light, and wooden trellises for shading. These elements collectively soften the visual impact of masonry. To underline its commitment to sustainability, BAIT-E-BUSTAN features photovoltaic panels for solar energy collection, rainwater harvesting systems, and water storage walls. These installations optimize resource use while enhancing thermal comfort within the dwelling.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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