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Textured Concrete and Glass Facades Merging Coastal Design with Sustainable Living

Textured Concrete and Glass Facades Merging Coastal Design with Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Textured concrete and expansive glass facades come together in a harmonious blend of sustainable living that captures the essence of coastal design, creating a series of residences that prioritize community and natural integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete walls enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategically placed glass panels.
03
Traditional Islamic mashrabiya features provide shade while maintaining views.
04
Green roof systems support biodiversity and assist with stormwater management.
05
Open-plan layouts foster adaptability for varying family dynamics.

### Project Overview

Luminar Heights - Concept A: Seashell Serenity is located in Dubai, UAE, designed with a focus on luxury living alongside sustainable architectural practices. The project aims to achieve a balance that respects the local environment while responding to the residents' needs. Drawing inspiration from the coastal beauty and organic forms of seashells, the design integrates both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The architectural layout emphasizes flexibility and community. The multi-level living arrangements offer spacious units that cater to evolving family dynamics, promoting a sense of togetherness while preserving individual privacy. The open-plan design encourages natural ventilation and abundant daylight, with living areas seamlessly extending to outdoor views. Each residence encompasses comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, along with adaptable spaces for work or guest accommodations, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability Features

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and cultural integration. Textured concrete and stone cladding adapt to the climatic conditions while ensuring durability. Large glass panels facilitate natural lighting and views, complemented by traditional Islamic Mashrabiya for shading and ventilation. The design incorporates heat-reflective coatings to improve energy efficiency and features green roofs to promote biodiversity. Water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting, are integrated into the overall framework, underscoring the project's ecological focus.

Through this thoughtful combination of design elements, Luminar Heights conveys both modernity and cultural resonance, achieving a harmonious living environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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