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Sustainable Sand Composite Structure Emphasizing Energy Efficiency and Community Interaction

Author:
Wang Chi Elvis Chan
Sustainable Sand Composite Structure Emphasizing Energy Efficiency and Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced sand composite and crushed rock, this residence integrates a sustainability station and geometric design elements to foster community living while prioritizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sustainability station for waste management and resource efficiency.
02
Incorporates geometric panels for privacy while allowing natural light.
03
Features solar slats that adjust for optimal energy capture and shading.
04
Constructed with locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.
05
Design includes curvilinear elements for a softer, inviting aesthetic.

BAYT is designed as a residential structure that prioritizes sustainability and community engagement within a harmonious environment. Located in a culturally rich setting, the project embodies the concept of "home" — translating from Arabic to denote shelter and belonging. Its layout strategically delineates private and communal spaces, aligning with the dynamics of modern family life.

### Organization of Spaces
The architectural plan features a lower level that serves as the communal center, incorporating living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens to facilitate interaction among residents. This spatial arrangement promotes connectivity while the upper levels are dedicated to private quarters, ensuring individual privacy without isolating inhabitants. Design elements such as multiple entry points enhance circulation, encouraging fluid movement throughout the home.

### Material and Sustainability Strategies
The project emphasizes sustainable practices through thoughtful material selection and innovative systems. It utilizes locally sourced sand composite for the lower portions of the structure, while the upper levels are constructed from crushed rock bricks, derived from regional resources to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the roof design, offering adjustable slats for optimal sunlight penetration and energy efficiency. A sustainability station incorporates systems for composting, wastewater treatment, and energy storage, further reinforcing the commitment to self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. The color palette reflects traditional Emirati architecture, blending warm tones that harmonize with the surroundings while maintaining a contemporary appeal.

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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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