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Terracotta Facades and Double-Skin Envelopes Define Sustainable Living Spaces in Desert Context

Author:
Sarra Chahed
Terracotta Facades and Double-Skin Envelopes Define Sustainable Living Spaces in Desert Context

Project in-detail

Constructed with terracotta façades and a double-skin envelope, the design integrates natural ventilation and passive cooling strategies to create a sustainable residential environment in the arid climate of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a terracotta façade designed to reduce solar heat gain.
02
Incorporates a double-skin envelope for enhanced natural ventilation.
03
Features an inner garden that integrates seamlessly with living spaces.
04
Utilizes solar panels for energy efficiency and sustainability.
05
Designed with flexible spaces allowing adaptability for various functions.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, the design concept for the Future House Competition in 2023 presents a contemporary residential solution tailored to the region's climatic and cultural context. The intent is to create a harmonious living environment that emphasizes openness, natural light, and a strong connection to outdoor spaces. The design incorporates a thoughtful blend of public and private areas, ensuring that functionality and aesthetics work in tandem to enhance the quality of life for residents.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The spatial organization is characterized by a clear delineation between communal and private zones, fostering both interaction and tranquility. The ground floor features an entrance hall that transitions into an integrated living and dining area, designed for social engagement with ample natural light and views toward an inner garden. The adjoining open kitchen facilitates culinary experiences while maintaining a seamless flow with dining activities. A separate service block discreetly houses essential utilities, preserving the uncluttered aesthetic of the main living areas. The second floor is dedicated to private quarters, including bedrooms and office space, strategically placed to ensure comfort and privacy while remaining accessible to communal amenities.

### Material Performance and Sustainability Initiatives

High-performance materials are employed throughout the design to align with sustainability goals and enhance overall functionality. The use of terracotta in the façades provides thermal insulation while serving an aesthetic purpose. Innovative double-skin transparent envelopes allow for natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems, simultaneously acting as protective barriers against external pollutants. Additional sustainable features include solar panels and rainwater recovery systems, integrating renewable energy sources and promoting water conservation. The inclusion of skylights throughout the structure further maximizes natural light, contributing to energy efficiency and creating a bright living environment.

Elevations are defined by layered textures and material contrasts, with a distinctive mashrabiya pattern that minimizes direct sunlight exposure while maintaining visual interest. This interplay between solid and void creates dynamic shadow patterns that evolve throughout the day, enhancing the building's architectural character.

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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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