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Sustainable Limestone Facade Integrated With Photovoltaic Systems in a Family-Centric Residential Sanctuary

Authors:
Farha Aref Abdelgawad Mohamed Ahmed Said, Heba Mohamed Moustafa Ibrahim Hassan, Hagar Yousry Mohamed Saleh Mohamed, Omar Ibrahim Mohamed Abdrabou Mohamed, Nourhane El haridi
Sustainable Limestone Facade Integrated With Photovoltaic Systems in a Family-Centric Residential Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Incorporating a limestone facade with integrated photovoltaic systems, this residential design prioritizes energy efficiency while fostering family interaction through well-defined communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central open courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and daylighting.
02
Utilizes recycled aluminum in the facade for improved sustainability and modern aesthetics.
03
Integrates traditional mashrabiya screens for privacy while allowing airflow and light.
04
Features a Majlis designed for social gatherings, emphasizing cultural values.
05
Implements a rainwater harvesting system to support water conservation efforts.

### Project Overview
Ghaf House is located in Dubai and serves as a modern reinterpretation of traditional Emirati architecture, integrating contemporary design elements with significant cultural influences. The aim of the design is to create a harmonious interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, drawing inspiration from the Ghaf tree, a national symbol of the UAE. This approach emphasizes both sustainability and cultural relevance within the architectural framework.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
Designed with a clear zoning strategy, Ghaf House comprises private (bedrooms), semi-private (living and dining areas), and public (entrance and service) spaces. This layout enhances privacy while promoting social connectivity among families and guests. Central to this organization is an expansive open courtyard, which facilitates airflow and natural light, contributing to overall well-being within the residence. The design also includes a dedicated Majlis, fostering social interaction and reinforcing community ties.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features
The building's material choices reflect both sustainability and regional appropriateness, incorporating elements such as durable limestone, recycled aluminum for facade treatments, laminated glass for optimizing light, and green photovoltaic roof panels. These selections underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Additionally, the design features innovative sustainable strategies, including an integrated cooling system utilizing floor water pipes, rainwater harvesting systems, and effective internal ventilation methods. This integration of technology not only enhances comfort but also reduces reliance on conventional energy sources, further embedding sustainability into the project's ethos.

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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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