Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Thermal Mass Concrete and Natural Stone Enclosure Enhancing Community Connectivity in Urban Living

Authors:
Jyotindra Nikam, Om Kadam, Gourav Singha Roy, Aditi Pawar, Gaurav Kate
Thermal Mass Concrete and Natural Stone Enclosure Enhancing Community Connectivity in Urban Living

Project in-detail

The use of thermal mass concrete and a cohesive natural stone enclosure fosters a cooler indoor environment while eliminating traditional setbacks, creating integrated living spaces that enhance community interaction in an urban residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elimination of setbacks creates an integrated urban community layout.
02
Cohesive natural stone enclosure enhances thermal performance.
03
Multiple courtyards promote natural cross-ventilation throughout the space.
04
Incorporation of Barjeel towers for efficient air circulation.
05
Design merges modern techniques with traditional Islamic architectural elements.

### Project Overview

Located in the urban landscape of Dubai, this residential design explores contemporary living in hot climates by integrating traditional architectural principles with innovative solutions. The approach seeks to eliminate conventional setbacks and incorporate a cohesive compound wall to reduce heat exposure while promoting community interaction. The intent is to create a living environment that aligns with modern urban demands without compromising cultural sensibilities.

### Spatial Strategy and Thermal Performance

The design is characterized by the removal of set boundaries between dwellings, leading to an integrated urban fabric that fosters neighborly interactions. The innovative compound wall serves as a thermal buffer, utilizing its mass to regulate indoor temperatures and mitigate the harsh climatic conditions prevalent in Dubai. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple smaller courtyards enhances air circulation and promotes social engagement, ensuring comfortable living spaces throughout different seasons.

### Materiality and Sustainable Approaches

Material selection plays a crucial role in this design, with concrete employed for its thermal mass properties to aid in heat regulation. Reflective glass is utilized to manage light while maintaining views to the exterior, and locally sourced natural stone establishes a connection with the surrounding context. The project emphasizes energy efficiency, prioritizing sustainable practices to minimize energy consumption and promote environmentally conscious living. Vertical elements like Barjeel towers enhance natural ventilation and structural integrity while reinforcing the aesthetic cohesion of the residence.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy