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Three-Layered Walls and Movable Spaces Define Sustainable Family Living

Author:
Yara Ahmad
Three-Layered Walls and Movable Spaces Define Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

With three-layered walls and adaptable interior spaces, this residence utilizes passive cooling strategies and sustainable materials to create a versatile family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three-layered walls enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency.
02
The roof design incorporates movable shading devices for optimized natural ventilation.
03
Indoor gardens are strategically integrated to improve air quality and aesthetics.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are seamlessly integrated into the architecture.
05
Flexible interior partitions allow for dynamic reconfiguration of living spaces.

## Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design integrates contemporary Emirati living through innovative spatial arrangements and sustainable practices. The intent is to preserve traditional cultural elements while providing functional spaces for both large family gatherings and individual privacy. The architecture fosters a strong connection with the surrounding landscape, featuring strategically placed indoor gardens that enhance natural light and air circulation throughout the residence.

## Architectural Strategy
### Spatial Configuration
The layout encompasses two levels, with communal areas such as the living room, dining space, and kitchen located on the ground floor. The upper level is reserved for private bedrooms, establishing a clear spatial hierarchy that encourages family engagement while allowing for personal retreats. The design emphasizes both social connectivity and privacy, creating an adaptable environment suited for various interactions and events.

### Sustainable Material Selection
The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through the careful choice of materials. Concrete forms the primary structural framework, providing both durability and thermal mass. A three-layered exterior wall system incorporates internal insulation, aesthetic outer layers, and a glass layer to optimize natural light and ventilation. Wood is employed in sliding panels and landscaped elements, offering a contrast to the concrete while maintaining a warm aesthetic. The integration of solar panels into the roof design underscores the building's energy efficiency and commitment to renewable energy, while shading systems utilizing fiberglass and fabrics serve to enhance sun control without compromising the overall design.

### Innovative Features
Key features include a shading concept with movable shades that promote passive ventilation and reduce energy use, as well as water towers equipped with advanced cooling technology to ensure indoor comfort. Movable walls create flexible spaces, allowing the homeowners to adjust the layout based on specific needs, effectively accommodating both casual and formal gatherings.

## Environmental Performance
### Passive Cooling Strategies
The design emphasizes natural ventilation through high ceilings and thoughtfully positioned roof elements, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. The orientation of windows and shading devices is strategically planned to optimize natural light while controlling heat gain, contributing to year-round occupant comfort.

### Off-Grid Functionality
The residence incorporates sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting and strategically designed storage systems, to ensure a consistent water supply. Photovoltaic cells are integrated into the architecture to support a net-zero energy model, highlighting the building’s ecological sustainability goals.

### Material Palette
- Concrete
- Fiberglass
- Wood (Sliding Panels)
- Solar Panels
- Three-layered Glass

This design exemplifies how architecture can address cultural and environmental challenges while promoting innovation and sustainability in residential spaces.

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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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