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Thermal Insulation And PTFE Fabric Create A Sustainable Haven In A Modern Residential Setting

Authors:
José Barbedo, Albino Alves Pinho, Nuno Ferreira, Masako Takagi
Thermal Insulation And PTFE Fabric Create A Sustainable Haven In A Modern Residential Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing PTFE fabric for optimum shading and thermal insulation, this residential design integrates a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and community living while ensuring energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes PTFE fabric roofing to enhance natural lighting and temperature control.
02
Features a central courtyard designed for improved cross-ventilation and community interaction.
03
Incorporates thermal insulation boards to maximize energy efficiency in high temperatures.
04
Employs a flexible layout allowing for adaptive use of space based on occupant needs.
05
Integrates traditional majlis elements, promoting social cohesion within a modern framework.

## Project Overview

Located in Tawj Samḥān, a region marked by its unique climate and urban development challenges, the design embodies a commitment to sustainability and a thoughtful integration with the local cultural context. The structure translates these factors into a functional residential living space, emphasizing innovative spatial dynamics alongside modern aesthetic values.

## Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout is characterized by a central internal patio that serves as a communal space, enhancing social interactions and facilitating natural ventilation. This inward-looking design reflects traditional elements found in local architecture, promoting continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. The ground floor features a central living room that connects various areas of the house, complemented by a strategically arranged kitchen, pantry, and wet areas that prioritize privacy without sacrificing accessibility. The second floor includes multiple suites designed with attached dressing areas and bathrooms, maintaining an open layout that reinforces the relationship with the central green space.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a critical role in balancing functionality and aesthetics. The use of PTFE fabric for the roof provides lightweight shade, reducing solar exposure, while stainless steel is utilized for structural supports, ensuring durability with a visual lightness. Concrete, enhanced with thermal insulation boards, forms the core spatial elements, contributing to energy efficiency. The design further incorporates systems for rainwater harvesting and cross-ventilation, demonstrating a conscious effort to minimize the ecological footprint while offering a sustainable living solution aligned with the region's climatic conditions.

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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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