Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Living in Urban Contexts with Eco-Friendly E-Block Construction

Author:
Nang Nwe Ma
Sustainable Living in Urban Contexts with Eco-Friendly E-Block Construction

Project in-detail

Utilizing E-Block construction and a central courtyard, the design emphasizes sustainable living while fostering community interaction through adaptable residential spaces in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes E-Block, an eco-friendly material made from recycled components for construction.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and community interaction.
03
Features adaptable modular design to accommodate changing family needs and lifestyles.
04
Integrates water management systems to promote resource efficiency in a desert climate.
05
Employs large glass elements for visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, the Courtyard Home project reflects the distinctive architectural heritage of the region while addressing contemporary living requirements. The design aims to balance sustainability and community-oriented environments, drawing on traditional courtyard concepts that have historically provided shelter from the harsh climate and fostered social interaction among residents. The project adopts a "zero lot line" approach, optimizing land use while promoting a sense of community.

## Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization of the Courtyard Home consists of modular units that offer customization to accommodate diverse user needs. Each level incorporates carefully designed private and communal areas, including living spaces, kitchens, and outdoor patios. This layout encourages social engagement among residents while ensuring practical functionality that aligns with modern lifestyles.

## Material Application
The project emphasizes the use of sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact. Key components include E-Block, made from recycled materials such as cement, clay soil, and wood fiber, and latticework blocks that enhance privacy while allowing natural airflow and light. Glass elements are strategically integrated to create openness, ensuring security and energy efficiency. Additionally, landscaping pavers crafted from recycled materials further contribute to the sustainability objectives of the design, highlighting a commitment to local resource utilization.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy