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Sustainable Living Embodied in Manufactured Stone and Plaster Clad Courtyard Home

Authors:
Abdelrahman Azmi Khalil Mousa, Bashar Matar, Moh'd Hayajneh, Mohammad Zaid Alkilani
Sustainable Living Embodied in Manufactured Stone and Plaster Clad Courtyard Home

Project in-detail

Manufactured stone and plaster create a durable facade for a courtyard home designed for sustainable family living, seamlessly integrating private and communal spaces while promoting energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Manufactured stone exterior enhances durability while providing aesthetic cohesion with the surrounding environment.
02
The design incorporates natural vegetation, promoting local biodiversity and reducing maintenance requirements.
03
A central courtyard fosters communal activities and enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
04
Load-bearing walls allow flexible interior layouts, adapting to the needs of future occupants.
05
Innovative thermal insulation methods contribute to a net-zero energy approach, minimizing environmental impact.

# Architectural Design Report: House of the Future

## Overview
The House of the Future is located in an undefined urban setting, designed to integrate sustainability, cultural resonance, functionality, and contemporary aesthetics. This project aims to create a living environment that promotes energy efficiency and human connectivity to nature while reflecting the heritage of the region.

## Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization draws inspiration from traditional Emirati design, emphasizing the creation of intimate spaces that foster community. The layout features a central *housh* (courtyard) that provides a communal area under the upper floor, effectively blending indoor and outdoor experiences. The ground floor includes multifunctional spaces that accommodate both family activities and formal gatherings, ensuring privacy without sacrificing openness. The first floor introduces a suite and additional bedrooms designed for optimal natural ventilation and views, enhancing both comfort and interaction among family members.

## Sustainable Materiality
The selection of materials for the project underscores a commitment to sustainable and visually appealing construction. Notable materials include manufactured stone for durability, plaster for thermal mass, anodized aluminum for window and shading elements, and wood composite for landscaping features. Native vegetation, such as Moringa Oleifera and Lavandula Pubescens, is integrated into the landscape design to support local biodiversity and establish a harmonious relationship between the inhabitants and the environment.

The building's structural integrity is achieved through four main load-bearing walls, allowing for a flexible interior layout that can adapt over time. Key sustainability features include passive solar design elements, energy harvesting systems, and natural ventilation strategies, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and enhancing comfort throughout the changing seasons.

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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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