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Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Wood Plastic Composite and Passive Ventilation Elements

Author:
Michele Fabbri
Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Wood Plastic Composite and Passive Ventilation Elements

Project in-detail

Integrating terraced outdoor spaces with advanced passive ventilation and durable wood plastic composite, the design redefines residential living in Dubai by prioritizing privacy and fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates advanced solar energy through rooftop photovoltaic panels.
02
Utilizes wood plastic composite for durability and reduced heat retention.
03
Features a traditional majlis for cultural gatherings and social interaction.
04
Incorporates natural ventilation with a strategically designed wind tower.
05
Offers multiple terraced outdoor spaces that enhance privacy and usability.

**Overview**
The House of the Future in Dubai is an architectural design project that aims to redefine residential living through a focus on sustainability, privacy, and modern aesthetics. Situated within a vibrant urban environment, the design considers the local climate and cultural context while balancing luxury with practicality. The project incorporates the concept of *Hortus Conclusus*, creating a secure living space that prioritizes tranquility and seclusion.

**Spatial Strategy**
A key aspect of the design is the internal layout which facilitates both traditional living and modern functionality. The structure is enclosed on three sides to enhance privacy, directing attention inward to gardens and communal spaces. Terracing and landscaping are employed to create varied outdoor areas, such as a jasmine garden, swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace, fostering a strong connection with nature and aligning with local customs of outdoor leisure. The layout includes designated majlis spaces to encourage social interaction and family gathering, while maintaining areas for personal retreat.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The selection of materials is central to the project's environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is utilized for its low heat retention, ceramic and concrete are integrated for thermal mass, and graphite insulation board augments energy efficiency. Sustainable features include photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation, a ventilation chimney for passive cooling, and a wind tower that enhances indoor climate comfort by optimizing natural airflow. The thoughtful combination of these materials and technologies showcases a commitment to innovative design and reduced environmental impact.

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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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