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Thermal Block Construction with Green Roofs and Community-Focused Courtyards

Author:
JosÉ Manuel Peixoto MorÊda Da Costa Pereira
Thermal Block Construction with Green Roofs and Community-Focused Courtyards

Project in-detail

Constructed with thermal blocks and topped with green roofs, the design creates a series of interconnected townhouses that prioritize sustainability while fostering community interactions through private courtyards.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with thermal blocks, enhancing thermal efficiency.
02
Features extensive green roofs to support biodiversity and reduce energy use.
03
Incorporates private courtyards to facilitate community interaction while ensuring privacy.
04
Utilizes durable terrazzo flooring, reflecting local craftsmanship practices.
05
Designed with large overhangs to maximize natural ventilation and shading.

## Overview
Oasis House is situated in Dubai and is designed under the Emirates Living Spaces initiative, which aims to reinterpret modern residential living while respecting Emirati cultural heritage. The project integrates traditional architectural elements with contemporary design principles, fostering community engagement and sustainability through its layout and structure. The design prioritizes lifestyle and hospitality by creating spaces that facilitate interaction among residents while maintaining individual privacy.

## Site Planning and Spatial Organization
The layout of Oasis House is developed on a 15 by 30-meter plot, optimizing housing density and enhancing community connectivity. The design features interconnected townhouse-style units that promote social interaction while providing private outdoor courtyards for each residence to ensure natural light and ventilation. A generous garden space, accessible to all units, reinforces a pedestrian-oriented environment through wide sidewalks and efficient parking solutions.

The organization of internal spaces includes a distinct Maji room serving as a communal reception area, complemented by a family room, kitchen, dining area, and several bedrooms, each equipped with private facilities. Service areas are subtly integrated into the façade, demarcating public and private spaces clearly.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects the architectural identity of the UAE while utilizing modern construction technologies aimed at enhancing sustainability. The structure incorporates thermal blocks for insulation against the desert climate, mineral wool insulation for improved thermal efficiency, and green roofs to promote biodiversity and energy efficiency. Durable terrazzo flooring and aluminum fixtures for windows and doors facilitate interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. The installation of photovoltaic panels and rainwater collection systems underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing energy consumption and the architectural footprint.

Large windows and open floor plans capitalize on natural light, contributing to a tranquil indoor atmosphere positively enhanced by strategically placed greenery. The exterior design integrates soft lines and a warm color palette, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape and promoting shade through deep overhangs and terraces.

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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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