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Sustainable Living With Grey Water Systems and Green Roofs in Eco-Friendly Row Houses

Author:
Annelies Vincent
Sustainable Living With Grey Water Systems and Green Roofs in Eco-Friendly Row Houses

Project in-detail

Incorporating grey water recycling systems and green roofs, this sustainable residential development utilizes monolithic plaster and aluminum elements to create energy-efficient row houses tailored for communal living in the UAE's desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a grey water recycling system to conserve water in a desert environment.
02
Features green roofs that provide insulation and integrate with local ecology.
03
Utilizes monolithic plaster for a seamless, low-maintenance exterior finish.
04
Designed with automated shading to reduce solar heat gain.
05
Arranged as row houses to foster community interaction while maintaining privacy.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Eco-Row Homes project exemplifies sustainable residential architecture tailored to the region's climatic conditions. The design integrates contemporary aesthetics with eco-friendly practices, focusing on energy efficiency and community interaction. The project aims to create a living environment that respects both individual privacy and collective social spaces while employing innovative architectural strategies.

### Spatial Configuration and Circulation

The spatial organization of the Eco-Row Homes features a carefully planned layout that promotes functionality and comfort. Each unit includes essential service areas on the ground level, such as garages and storage, alongside a flexible room designed for social gatherings. This open-plan arrangement fosters connectivity between living and dining areas and maximizes natural light through strategically placed large windows. The upper level is dedicated to generously sized bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, enhancing privacy.

Circulation within the homes is facilitated by a central staircase that links both levels, enhancing accessibility. The clear distinction between living and service areas contributes to an efficient household dynamic, ensuring that both residents and services can operate smoothly.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Strategies

The architectural expression is characterized by clean lines and a modern material palette. The facade employs white monolithic plaster paired with dark grey aluminum windows, which not only manage solar exposure but also enhance visual appeal. Green roofs and xeriscaping are incorporated to improve ecological performance, blending the structures into the landscape and aiding in temperature moderation.

The project implements several sustainable initiatives: solar panels are integrated to harness renewable energy, while a grey water recycling system repurposes wastewater for irrigation, critical for efficient water management in a desert environment. An automated shading system is also integrated to mitigate heat gain and improve indoor comfort. This multifaceted approach to sustainability reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high living standards.

### Key Features

The Eco-Row Homes project incorporates several distinctive features. Its community-centric design encourages social interaction among residents while leveraging the ecological benefits of shared walls. The flexible living spaces cater to cultural practices, such as the inclusion of a majlis. Importantly, the project maintains a construction budget of no more than 1 million AED, demonstrating a commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality or sustainability.

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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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