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Sustainable Mass Timber Home Featuring Central Courtyard and Solar Energy Solutions

Authors:
Gustavo Domingues De Mello, Monica Madalena Frias Louzada , Joanna Condini Da Silva
Sustainable Mass Timber Home Featuring Central Courtyard and Solar Energy Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating a central courtyard and advanced rainwater harvesting, the mass timber residence utilizes sustainable materials to create an energy-efficient family home designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an innovative rainwater harvesting system with large underground cisterns.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and social interaction.
03
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
05
Integrates adjustable solar panels to maximize energy efficiency throughout the year.
The House of the Future is an architectural project located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and cultural relevance. The design aims to serve as a self-sufficient family residence, accommodating between four to six residents while offering adaptable spaces for future expansions. Through a blend of traditional Arab aesthetics and modern architectural practices, the project engages deeply with both its environmental and cultural contexts.

Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

A critical aspect of the project is its emphasis on sustainable materials and construction techniques. The primary structural components utilize Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) and mass timber, chosen for their durability and thermal insulation properties. These materials not only align with modern eco-friendly construction practices but also provide a warm, inviting interior atmosphere.

Extensive use of glass throughout the design maximizes natural light and promotes openness, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The carefully selected terracotta facilitates a natural cooling system, reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning. This approach highlights the project’s intent to minimize environmental impact through innovative material selection.

Central to the design is the incorporation of a courtyard, which serves as a key feature for social interaction and natural ventilation. This courtyard includes features such as water elements and vegetation, creating a microclimate that promotes thermal comfort. Windows strategically placed around this central area allow for cross-ventilation, optimizing airflow and reducing energy consumption.

Innovative Sustainability Features

The House of the Future integrates several advanced sustainability measures. A solar energy collection system on the roof includes adjustable solar panels, optimizing energy capture. This renewable energy generation significantly reduces the dependence on non-renewable power sources.

Further enhancing water conservation, the project employs a rainwater harvesting system featuring large cisterns capable of storing 5000 liters of water. This system is designed to address the household's water needs efficiently, showcasing an effective approach to resource management.

The design also incorporates an earth air tunnel, which regulates indoor temperatures by using ambient air channeled through subterranean pathways. This system effectively reduces the demand for energy-intensive cooling solutions, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency.

Overall, the House of the Future exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture by balancing cultural heritage with contemporary sustainability practices. Its distinctive features and innovative methodologies position it as a significant contribution to the field of architecture.

To gain deeper insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, please explore the project's detailed presentation further.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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