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Thermo Hollow Blocks and Green Roofs Shaping a Sustainable Family Home in the UAE

Authors:
Amr Gamal Said Abdelkhalek, Ahmed Essam Nadi Mohamed Hamza, Rana Mohamed Hany Mohamed Fouad Ismail
Thermo Hollow Blocks and Green Roofs Shaping a Sustainable Family Home in the UAE

Project in-detail

Incorporating Thermo Hollow Blocks and a green roof, this environmentally sensitive residence balances cultural motifs with modern living needs, offering a sustainable home for a contemporary family in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Thermo Hollow Blocks for superior insulation and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a green roof to enhance biodiversity and thermal regulation.
03
Features a Majlis space designed to honor traditional Emirati social customs.
04
Employs shading techniques through architectural overhangs to minimize heat gain.
05
Landscape design integrates local vegetation for reduced water consumption.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future exemplifies an integration of contemporary architectural design with cultural and environmental considerations. This project merges traditional Emirati values with modern functionality, resulting in a sustainable living space that reflects both luxury and cultural heritage. The architectural intent encompasses a thoughtful response to local customs, climate, and ecological sustainability.

## Spatial Configuration

The design is strategically organized across three levels—ground, first, and roof—prioritizing family needs and privacy. The ground floor features distinct entrances for guests and family, accommodating social interactions while adhering to cultural practices. The designated areas include a Majlis, dining space, and an outdoor terrace, facilitating both communal and private gatherings. The first floor consists of four bedrooms, each with dedicated dressing areas and bathrooms, catering to the modern family's requirements. The roof level serves as a versatile family retreat, complete with laundry facilities and kitchenette, reinforcing the adaptive use of space.

## Material and Sustainability Strategies

Material selection plays a critical role in expressing the architectural identity and sustainability goals. Key choices include thermo hollow blocks for insulation, a cost-efficient roof system to enhance durability, and a green roof that facilitates temperature regulation through integrated vegetation. Large windows maximize natural light while fostering connectivity with the exterior environment.

Sustainable features include solar panels for renewable energy generation and shading techniques to mitigate heat gain, thereby reducing energy consumption. Additionally, landscape design incorporates native, low-maintenance plants across designated zones, promoting both ecological sustainability and aesthetic appeal. This integrated approach not only respects the local climate but also enhances the overall living experience.

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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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