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Thermal Mass Construction With Water Features and High-Performance Glazing in A Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Mauro Luis Sansoni, Milagros Josefina Sifon, Lucas Exequiel Daniele
Thermal Mass Construction With Water Features and High-Performance Glazing in A Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing thermal mass construction techniques and incorporating water features alongside high-performance glazing, the residence offers efficient climate control and a harmonious living environment for families in a challenging desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes partially buried structures for enhanced thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates water features for passive cooling and microclimate regulation.
03
Features locally sourced stone flooring for temperature moderation.
04
Includes a central patio designed to optimize airflow throughout the home.
05
Utilizes recycled plastic for sunshade panels, promoting sustainability.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future serves as an innovative architectural response to the region's extreme climatic conditions. The design integrates historical and contemporary architectural elements, emphasizing sustainability and family living. By partially embedding the structure below ground, the project effectively utilizes natural insulation and temperature regulation, critical for the arid environment.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is organized into distinct functional blocks that facilitate daily interactions and maximize usability. The public block at ground level includes communal areas such as a majlis, garage, and main hall, promoting social engagement. Central to the design, the patio serves as a hub for family activities, while the day block encompasses the kitchen and living spaces, and the night block contains private quarters like bedrooms and bathrooms. A dedicated service block enhances privacy by separating living spaces from household operations, thus supporting a versatile family dynamic.

### Material and Sustainability Features

The architectural form features rhythmic arches that enhance aesthetic appeal while providing necessary shading and ventilation, reflecting traditional Emirati design. Exterior cladding consists of thick reinforced concrete walls that ensure structural integrity and thermal mass for indoor climate control. Interior finishes utilize smooth plaster for a refined look, complemented by locally sourced stone flooring that contributes to temperature regulation. Sustainability is a key focus, with elements such as recycled plastics for sunshade panels and high-performance glazing for energy efficiency. Passive cooling techniques, including integrated water features and large 3D-printed sunshades, work in conjunction to create a comfortable living environment while minimizing energy consumption and emissions.

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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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