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Terracotta Facade With Biophilic Balconies in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Joffrey Benjamin Manini
Terracotta Facade With Biophilic Balconies in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Crafted with a terracotta facade and expansive biophilic balconies, the residence seamlessly integrates sustainable practices with functional living spaces suitable for modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with terracotta bricks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Integrates photovoltaic panels for energy efficiency.
03
Features biophilic design elements to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Utilizes a dual-access system for privacy and service efficiency.
05
Equipped with rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable resource management.

### Overview

The UAE House is located in Dubai, a region characterized by its modern architectural landscape and dynamic urban lifestyle. This project spans 450 square meters, with dimensions of 20 meters in depth and 22.5 meters in width, and is positioned along the lateral boundaries of its plot to optimize space utilization. Leveraging the surrounding context, the design emphasizes adaptability, simplicity, and operational efficiency, catering to a variety of family configurations.

### Spatial Organization

The layout prioritizes intuitive flow while addressing the needs of its occupants through a thoughtfully organized structure. The design features two entrances: one for residents that provides direct access to common areas and a secondary entrance dedicated to service personnel, reflecting a nuanced understanding of residential dynamics.

The ground floor encompasses a spacious main living area, kitchen, and designated service zones, all interconnected by a central staircase that promotes vertical circulation. The upper floor includes three generously sized bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring privacy while maintaining access to outdoor balconies. Outdoor spaces are integrated through terraces designed for leisure and enhanced interaction with the landscape.

### Materiality

Material selections aim for a balance of modern aesthetics and traditional influences, emphasizing sustainability and visual appeal.

Terracotta bricks prominently featured in the façade offer tactile qualities and improved thermal performance, resonating with Dubai's cultural heritage. Reinforced concrete serves as a primary structural element, providing durability and a neutral backdrop for contrasting textures. Natural plaster applied in selected areas contributes to an organic aesthetic, softening the harshness of more industrial materials. Extensive glazing facilitates a connection between indoor and outdoor environments, maximizing natural light and passive solar gain. Furthermore, the incorporation of photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems underscores a commitment to sustainable practices and resource efficiency.

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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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