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Sustainable Living Crafted with Local Materials and Flexible Spaces Emulating Traditional Dhow Design

Authors:
Garegin Aghuzumtsyan, Martin Martikyan, David Davoodians, Hovhannes Ghazaryan, Noura Toubrakji, Ninel Tsatryan
Sustainable Living Crafted with Local Materials and Flexible Spaces Emulating Traditional Dhow Design

Project in-detail

Emulating the form of a traditional dhow, the design utilizes local materials and flexible spaces to create a sustainable residence that fosters family connectivity and incorporates modern living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the form of traditional dhows, the design integrates maritime cultural elements into residential architecture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and sustainable sourcing.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while promoting local craftsmanship.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for expansive interior spaces without compromising structural stability.
05
Flexible layout options accommodate various family dynamics and future adaptations.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Dhow project draws inspiration from traditional Arabian sailing vessels, integrating cultural heritage with innovative architectural practices. Its design aims to create a modern living environment that reflects the relationship between land and water, while also prioritizing sustainability and functionality.

## Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout emphasizes fluidity and interaction, balancing communal and private spaces. The first floor features an open plan, incorporating a majlis and various living rooms that facilitate family engagement while allowing for private retreats. Utility areas such as the kitchen and laundry are strategically positioned to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the living spaces.

On the second floor, the design addresses comfort and intimacy in the arrangement of bedrooms and shared family areas. Options for personalization accommodate diverse living configurations. Natural light and ventilation are prioritized through skylights and expansive openings, enhancing the overall atmosphere and livability.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and ecological responsibility. Structural elements are constructed from concrete for resilience, with steel incorporated for its strength and adaptability. Locally sourced sustainable materials contribute to the project's environmental initiatives, while brick walls ensure thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Sustainability features include rainwater collection systems and passive cooling techniques, such as strategic building orientation and overhang placement, which reduce heat gain and promote a comfortable living environment. Solar panels further bolster energy efficiency and minimize the project's carbon footprint.

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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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