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Thermal Mass and Native Flora Enhance a Sustainable Residential Oasis in the Desert

Author:
Hamda Saeed Obaid Bin Abed Almheiri
Thermal Mass and Native Flora Enhance a Sustainable Residential Oasis in the Desert

Project in-detail

Utilizing passive cooling techniques and local materials, the design integrates thermal mass with native vegetation to create a sustainable residential oasis tailored for living in the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year.
02
Incorporates double glazed windows for enhanced energy efficiency.
03
Features a majlis area specifically designed for cultural gatherings.
04
Integrates native flora into landscaping for improved biodiversity.
05
Employs passive cooling techniques to minimize reliance on mechanical systems.

### Project Overview

The Emirati Green Oasis is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and seeks to enhance residential living within the region's arid environment. The design merges environmental considerations with modern architectural principles, striving to create a residential space that fulfills functional requirements while reflecting aesthetic values.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of the villa is strategically divided into three distinct zones: a service area, residential space, and a majlis area (a traditional Arabic gathering place). This organization not only honors the cultural importance of social interaction in Emirati life but also optimizes the home’s functionality. The ground floor includes a range of well-proportioned spaces, including a formal living room for social gatherings, a dining area connected to both the kitchen and living spaces, guest facilities, and unobtrusive service rooms. The first floor is dedicated to multiple bedrooms designed to maximize natural light and airflow.

### Environmental Considerations

The villa incorporates passive design strategies aimed at creating a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Key features include optimal orientation and cross-ventilation, achieved through horizontal louvers that reduce solar heat gain while allowing light and airflow. High ceilings on the southern side and the use of thermal mass further regulate internal temperatures, enhancing energy efficiency. Sustainable materials, such as thermal insulated blocks and double-glazed windows, are employed to improve insulation and reduce energy expenditure, demonstrating a commitment to reducing the structure's environmental impact.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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