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Sustainable Living Villa Emphasizing Local Materials and Prefabricated Construction Techniques

Sustainable Living Villa Emphasizing Local Materials and Prefabricated Construction Techniques

Project in-detail

Emphasizing local materials like natural stone and light-colored cement plaster, this energy-efficient villa utilizes prefabricated construction methods to create a contemporary living space that harmonizes with its semi-arid surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated construction techniques to reduce assembly time to three months.
02
Incorporates large glazing for enhanced natural light and ventilation while minimizing solar heat gain.
03
Features a green roof that supports local biodiversity and captures rainwater for irrigation.
04
Employs lightweight cement plaster for exterior finishes to reflect heat and improve energy efficiency.
05
Integrates drought-resistant native plants into landscaping to promote water conservation.

### Prefabricated Villa Project Overview

Located in a semi-arid region characterized by desert landscapes, the villa design focuses on prefabrication, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable living. The project aims to harmonize modern aesthetics with functionality while addressing the unique climatic conditions of the site, including abundant sunlight and local flora. The design intent prioritizes environmental sensitivity and adaptability, ensuring a responsive integration with its surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy

The villa features a two-story layout that balances communal and private spaces. The ground floor includes public areas such as the living room, kitchen, and Majlis, with large openings that enhance connectivity to the outdoors. The first floor is dedicated to private living quarters, promoting both privacy and comfort through strategically placed windows for optimal light and ventilation. The overall organization of spaces supports everyday living while providing views of the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

Materials selected for the villa reflect a commitment to sustainability and modern design. The exterior utilizes smooth, light-colored cement plaster that reflects heat, while expansive glass and aluminum windows create a connection to the natural environment. Green roofing elements contribute to environmental sustainability through potential rainwater harvesting systems. For the interior, natural stone finishes are proposed for flooring, reinforcing durability and thermal comfort, complemented by wood accents that acknowledge traditional techniques within a contemporary framework.

The construction method emphasizes prefabrication, allowing for rapid assembly of structural components within an estimated three-month timeframe. This approach not only ensures quality control but also reduces labor costs and minimizes waste. The detailed assembly processes outlined in the project documentation exemplify an efficient modular approach, aligning with sustainable building practices.

### Environmental Integration

Landscaping is designed to enhance both aesthetic appeal and ecological function, incorporating native plants that require minimal irrigation and support local biodiversity. This thoughtful integration helps regulate the microclimate around the villa, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project. The villa's architecture is also characterized by large openings that maximize natural light and facilitate cross-ventilation, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling systems.

Overall, the villa represents a modern response to regional environmental challenges, blending innovative construction methods with a deep consideration for its natural setting.

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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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