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Sustainable Living Defined Through Natural Clay Façade and Glass Corridors in Family-Centric Design

Author:
Hussain Fareed Hussain Awny
Sustainable Living Defined Through Natural Clay Façade and Glass Corridors in Family-Centric Design

Project in-detail

A seamless blend of a natural clay façade and expansive glass corridors creates a transparent connection among family members in a residence tailored for modern living in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a glass corridor as a central feature to enhance visibility and connection among family members.
02
Incorporates solar panels within a metal shell for energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
03
Utilizes a natural clay texture on the façade to improve thermal performance and reflect sunlight.
04
Integrates cultural architectural elements from Emirati heritage into the contemporary design.
05
Allows for future expansion with adaptable spaces designed for evolving family needs.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the Family Construction project embodies a contemporary approach to architectural design that emphasizes familial unity within a modern context. The design interprets traditional values through innovative living spaces, resulting in an environment conducive to fostering connections among family members. The project's framework reflects Dubai's rapid urbanization while respecting its architectural heritage.

### Spatial Strategy and Functional Design

The organization of space prioritizes functionality, minimizing wasted areas and ensuring that each zone serves a distinct purpose. The central staircase, positioned strategically within a glass corridor, enhances accessibility while maintaining privacy for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas. Two primary mass forms flank this corridor to achieve a balanced relationship between communal and private spaces. Furthermore, the design features a basement and ground floor layout that allows for future expansion, accommodating the evolving needs of families as children grow.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

Material choices play a crucial role in the overall design. Extensive use of glass not only facilitates natural light penetration but also reinforces a sense of connection among inhabitants. A metal shell inspired by traditional Dubai balustrades, which incorporates solar panels, highlights the project's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, natural clay-textured cladding enhances temperature control by reflecting sunlight, contributing to energy efficiency. Passive cooling techniques and strategically placed ventilation grilles pay homage to local architectural practices while addressing environmental considerations. The design’s aesthetic draws from historical influences, with cubic forms and decorative elements creating a dialogue between past and present, ultimately serving both functional and cultural purposes.

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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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