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Sustainable Shell Structure Featuring Sand Blocks and Natural Ventilation for Modern Living

Authors:
Naglaa Fathy Ahmed Awad, Mahmoud mohamed hamdy elsayed Moussa, Ahmed Seifeldeen Hafez Mohammed
Sustainable Shell Structure Featuring Sand Blocks and Natural Ventilation for Modern Living

Project in-detail

With a distinctive shell structure crafted from locally sourced sand blocks and enhanced by natural ventilation, the design optimally integrates modern living with sustainable practices for a contemporary family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinctive shell form enhances energy efficiency and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes locally sourced sand blocks for sustainable construction.
03
Incorporates a grey water recycling system for resource management.
04
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings.
05
Outdoor living seamlessly integrated with indoor spaces via terraces.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the development focuses on integrating modern living with sustainable architectural practices. It is designed to meet the demands of contemporary lifestyles, particularly the growing trend of remote work. The intent is to create a living environment that blends functionality with aesthetic value while respecting the cultural and environmental context of the region.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout is based on a circular design, promoting openness and fluidity. The ground floor includes a central living area that connects to outdoor spaces, featuring a terrace and pool to enhance indoor-outdoor living. This level also houses communal areas such as the kitchen and living room, facilitating interaction among residents. On the first floor, four bedrooms are configured to prioritize privacy, complemented by shared spaces like dressing areas and bathrooms. Natural light and ventilation are optimized through strategically sized windows and circular openings. The basement serves practical purposes, incorporating utility areas and advanced water recycling systems to enhance sustainability.

### Material Usage
A combination of local and contemporary materials has been selected to reflect the architectural heritage of the region while ensuring modern performance. Key materials include wooden louvers for shading and aesthetic appeal, sustainable sand blocks for effective thermal mass, tempered securit glass for safety and light enhancement, and green concrete to incorporate recycled materials in construction. Additionally, biophilic design principles are applied through the inclusion of natural plants, which improve indoor air quality and overall aesthetics.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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