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Sustainable Living Enhanced by Green Roof and Pre-Fabricated Concrete in Modern Family Home

Authors:
Roberto Maritan, Chiara Zulian, Giorgia Massaro, Alberto Meneghin
Sustainable Living Enhanced by Green Roof and Pre-Fabricated Concrete in Modern Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing pre-fabricated concrete blocks and a green roof, this modern family home integrates sustainable practices with an open-plan design to support both communal living and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes pre-fabricated concrete blocks to enhance thermal performance and reduce labor costs.
02
Incorporates a green roof for biodiversity and temperature regulation.
03
Features a layout designed for both communal spaces and private quarters.
04
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to minimize reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
Includes accessibility-focused design elements for diverse user needs.

## House of the Future: Architectural Design Overview

Located in Dubai, this residence prioritizes a harmonious balance between modern living and respect for local traditions and the natural environment. The design intent is to create a versatile home that accommodates both private and communal spaces, catering to the evolving needs of contemporary family life. The lower floor facilitates social interactions, while the upper floors are dedicated to personal quarters, ensuring privacy and connection simultaneously.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The ground floor showcases an open-plan design, unifying living, dining, and kitchen areas to promote fluid movements among occupants. Dedicated zones, such as an office and utility room, are thoughtfully positioned to provide functionality without compromising the overall connectivity of the space. Landscaping features prominently in the design, enhancing privacy through the strategic placement of lush greenery while fostering a sense of nature throughout the residence.

On the upper levels, private quarters include bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and ample storage solutions, all designed to maximize natural light and promote a comfortable atmosphere. The layout prioritizes accessibility for all users, ensuring that spaces are navigable for individuals of varying ages and abilities.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The building's façade employs pre-fabricated concrete blocks that combine structural integrity with aesthetic appeal, characterized by warm hues that reflect the local environment. The integration of large glass windows and sliding doors facilitates transparency and visual connectivity with the outdoors.

Sustainability is further emphasized through the use of photovoltaic modules for energy production and the incorporation of a green roof, which promotes biodiversity and temperature regulation. Interior materials, including wood, are selected for their warmth and aesthetic value, contributing to both comfort and visual interest while maintaining environmental responsibility.

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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
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