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Tessellated Community Units Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Recycled Materials

Authors:
Marco Georges, Aliaksei Smolian, Roland El Kassis
Tessellated Community Units Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Recycled Materials

Project in-detail

With octagonal modular units constructed from recycled materials and enhanced by photovoltaic panels, the design creates a sustainable community hub that prioritizes social interaction and environmental efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Octagonal modules allow for flexible spatial configurations suitable for evolving family needs.
02
Incorporation of photovoltaic panels maximizes energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Common areas designed with native landscaping promote local biodiversity.
04
Recycled materials are prominently used, minimizing environmental impact.
05
Natural ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality and comfort.

## Project Overview

The "House of the Future," known as "Moulayat," is an architectural design project developed in 2023 that integrates modern living principles with cultural values and environmental considerations. The design emphasizes community engagement and sustainability, aligning with contemporary social dynamics while reflecting local traditions. It is situated in a desert climate, strategically leveraging natural resources such as sunlight and prevailing winds to enhance the living environment.

## Architectural Layout and Spatial Strategy

The layout comprises multiple octagonal residential units organized around shared communal spaces, fostering a neighborhood-centric living experience. This configuration promotes social interaction while maintaining individual privacy. The design incorporates modular components, allowing for future expansion or modification to meet the evolving needs of families or communities.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a diverse range of materials to balance aesthetic appeal with sustainability objectives. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, complemented by wood accents for warmth and visual interest. Extensive use of glass in windows and partitions enhances natural light and ventilation. Metal elements contribute to durability, while sustainable materials, including recycled components and eco-friendly finishes, are utilized to minimize environmental impact.

Sustainability features include photovoltaic panels for energy generation, water harvesting systems to collect atmospheric moisture, and natural ventilation systems designed to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. Geometric patterns inspired by traditional Arabisk tessellations not only enhance aesthetics but also inform the structural organization. Community-oriented spaces, landscaped with native plants, are integral to fostering social interaction, while accessible design elements ensure inclusivity for individuals with physical disabilities.

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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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