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Sustainable Living Shaped by Concrete Geometry and Reflective Skylights

Authors:
Sinan Hassan, Hassan Kobeissi, Youssef Assi
Sustainable Living Shaped by Concrete Geometry and Reflective Skylights

Project in-detail

Concrete forms intersect with reflective skylights to facilitate energy efficiency and natural light, creating a sustainable residential solution in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concrete structures are designed to provide optimal thermal mass for climate regulation.
02
Reflective skylights enhance daylighting while minimizing heat gain in living spaces.
03
The circular layout promotes natural airflow, improving ventilation throughout the home.
04
Integrated solar modules harness renewable energy efficiently in a hot environment.
05
Distinctive ribbon windows are strategically placed for controlled light penetration.

### Overview

Located in a desert environment, “Circle in the Sand” explores innovative living solutions through the reimagining of spherical structures. The design aims to create a cohesive environment that integrates private living spaces with communal areas, responding effectively to the challenges posed by its arid context. This architectural endeavor emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and cultural sensitivity while challenging conventional residential layouts.

### Spatial Configuration

The project features a dualistic framework comprising two modular components: the Private Module and the Services Module. The Private Module includes personal spaces such as bedrooms and suites, providing an intimate setting for residents. In contrast, the Services Module serves as a communal hub, incorporating open areas like dining rooms and kitchens that encourage interaction and social engagement. The circular layout enhances the spatial experience by optimizing natural light and airflow, critical for maintaining comfort in the hot desert climate. Furthermore, the design incorporates positive and negative spaces, enriching the overall atmosphere through the interplay of light and shadow.

### Materiality and Environmental Response

Material selections demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and resilience suitable for extreme heat. Concrete provides structural durability and thermal mass, while reflective skylights and ribbon windows optimize daylighting and minimize heat gain. Aluminum is employed for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, enhancing the building’s longevity. Eco-friendly coatings further contribute to energy efficiency. The design also integrates solar modules to harness renewable energy, and strategically placed green spaces enhance air quality and offer residents natural environments. These combined elements create an eco-sensitive envelope that aligns aesthetic aspirations with functional requirements, ultimately defining the project's unique architectural identity.

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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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