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Sustainable Living Through Dried Palm Facades and Natural Earth Materials in a Family-Oriented Home

Author:
Reem Branly Nassour
Sustainable Living Through Dried Palm Facades and Natural Earth Materials in a Family-Oriented Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating dried palm facades and compressed earth walls, this family-oriented residence seamlessly blends sustainable practices with modern design, creating an inviting and functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates dried palm fronds as a key exterior material.
02
Utilizes compressed earth blocks for thermal efficiency.
03
Integrates natural ventilation through strategic window placements.
04
Features a central courtyard to enhance community interaction.
05
Employs local materials to minimize environmental impact.

### Project Overview

Located within an Emirati context, the proposed residential structure reflects a synthesis of modern architectural principles and cultural heritage. It addresses themes of domesticity, time, and identity, aiming to create a space that accommodates both evolving familial traditions and contemporary lifestyles. The design prioritizes hospitality and privacy, establishing a setting conducive to gathering and intimacy among families and friends.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The architectural plan features interconnected spaces that enhance interaction while supporting distinct functions. Communal areas, such as kitchens, dining rooms, and living spaces, are strategically designed for engagement, promoting social bonds within the household. The thoughtful arrangement includes a central courtyard, which serves as a focal point for gatherings, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor areas. Large windows and open layouts optimize natural light and airflow, creating an environment that encourages a connection with the surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The use of locally sourced materials emphasizes sustainability and environmental integration. Key elements include solar paint, which improves energy efficiency, dried palm leaves that acknowledge traditional building methods, and earth-based materials that provide thermal comfort. These choices reflect a commitment to both contemporary needs and the inherent characteristics of the desert landscape. The structure's design incorporates Al Ghaf trees, symbolizing resilience and cultural significance, further anchoring the home within its historical context while embracing future aspirations.

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

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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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