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Thermoregulated Cooling Pond and Solar Panels Enhance Sustainable Living in Modern Residential Design

Author:
Daniel Inocente
Thermoregulated Cooling Pond and Solar Panels Enhance Sustainable Living in Modern Residential Design

Project in-detail

A thermoregulated cooling pond combined with solar panels creates an energy-efficient environment, while traditional Majlis spaces and the use of durable materials support modern family living in the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
A thermoregulated cooling pond enhances indoor climate control while minimizing energy consumption.
02
Solar tiles integrated into the roof design provide renewable energy without compromising aesthetics.
03
Charred wooden shingles maintain durability and reduce maintenance in the desert environment.
04
The Majlis space fosters cultural connection and community interaction within the home.
05
Prefabricated construction techniques streamline the building process, ensuring efficiency and quality.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, this residential design synthesizes traditional architectural elements with contemporary sustainable practices to accommodate modern lifestyles. The intent is to respect and adapt to the local cultural and environmental contexts while providing an innovative living experience.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The design comprises two levels with a total net floor area of 299 square meters. The ground level features essential functional spaces, including a garage and a maid room, alongside a service block that enhances convenience. Open living areas integrate the dining space and kitchen, fostering communal interaction. A key element is the thermoregulated cooling pond, which contributes to energy efficiency and comfort. Additional outdoor amenities, such as a balcony and a garden area, create a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.

On the upper level, four bedrooms, including a master suite with an en-suite bathroom and private balcony, prioritize natural light and privacy. Modern bathroom fittings complement the home's focus on functionality while enhancing user experience.

### Materiality and Technology Integration

Materials selected for construction prioritize durability and aesthetic suitability for the desert climate. Terracotta roof tiles offer insulation and longevity, while low-maintenance metal roof panels add to roof durability. A wooden siding system provides a natural aesthetic and resilience against weather extremes. Furthermore, solar roof tiles facilitate energy generation, consistent with sustainable living principles.

Smart home integration features high-performance automated shading and surveillance systems, aimed at enhancing convenience and security. Additionally, energy management systems, including solar energy facilities and automated temperature controls, focus on minimizing energy consumption and promoting efficiency.

The construction method employs modular prefabrication, which enhances construction efficiency by reducing environmental impact and ensuring quality assurance through controlled fabrication processes.

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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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