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Thermal Comfort Through Cantilevered Structures and Eco-Friendly Materials in Modular Living

Author:
Gadi Politi
Thermal Comfort Through Cantilevered Structures and Eco-Friendly Materials in Modular Living

Project in-detail

Cantilevered structures and thermo-solar vacuum tubes enhance thermal efficiency in a modular living environment designed for adaptability and resource conservation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered upper levels create shaded outdoor spaces, enhancing thermal comfort in a desert climate.
02
Thermo-solar vacuum tubes provide renewable energy, integrating sustainability into the design.
03
Modular units allow for adaptable configurations based on user requirements and preferences.
04
Extensive use of glass fosters a continuous visual connection with the surrounding environment.
05
Native plant landscaping complements the structure, promoting local biodiversity and ecological harmony.

### Overview
The Modular Urban Oasis is situated in a desert climate, presenting design solutions for contemporary residential living that prioritize sustainability and flexibility. The project focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between modern architectural aesthetics and environmental considerations.

### Spatial Strategy
Emphasizing modular design principles, the layout supports adaptability to varying needs and budgetary constraints. Individual functional areas are arranged in a linear configuration, allowing for spatial flexibility and potential expansion in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. A central linear atrium acts as a circulation spine, enhancing connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces while fostering community interactions and ensuring privacy through carefully designed visual barriers.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and visual appeal. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, extensive glazing for natural light and environmental integration, and wood for warmth and aesthetic value, particularly in shading devices and outdoor areas. Additionally, thermo-solar vacuum tubes are incorporated to harness solar energy, promoting energy independence and innovative resource management. The design enhances climate responsiveness through cantilevered structures that provide shading and natural climate control, complemented by integrated water harvesting systems that support ecological sustainability.

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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

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