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Timber Louvers and Sustainable Solar Panels Enhance Modern Living in a Culturally Grounded Residence

Authors:
Ahmed Aly, Baasil Zaman K S, Mariam El Khoury, Aniket Bhosale
Timber Louvers and Sustainable Solar Panels Enhance Modern Living in a Culturally Grounded Residence

Project in-detail

Combining aluminum louvers with a rooftop garden and sustainable solar panels, the residence effectively balances cultural heritage and modern functionality, creating versatile living spaces for family interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade incorporates adjustable aluminum louvers that enhance privacy and light control.
02
A roof terrace designed for outdoor activities promotes a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
03
Integration of solar panels aligns with sustainable energy practices while reducing environmental impact.
04
Culturally inspired design elements celebrate the local heritage through modern interpretations.
05
Native landscaping surrounds the residence, enhancing biodiversity and minimizing irrigation needs.

### Overview
Located in a culturally significant area, Dar Al Zaman reflects both contemporary architectural practices and traditional Arab design principles, particularly through the reinterpretation of the Mashrabiya. This project aims to honor historical architectural heritage while addressing modern functionality, creating a residential environment that respects cultural lineage and meets contemporary living standards.

### Materiality and Facade Design
The facade prominently features a modern interpretation of the Mashrabiya, utilizing aluminum louvers with a wooden texture that serve dual purposes of aesthetic enhancement and functional climate control, including ventilation and privacy. The use of white plaster and porcelain tiles complements the overall design, ensuring durability and effective waterproofing. Such materials contribute to the building’s visual coherence while adhering to practical requirements.

### Spatial Configuration and Sustainability
The layout of Dar Al Zaman is strategically organized across three levels, fostering both communal and private interactions. The ground floor is dedicated to open living spaces that maximize natural light through strategically placed openings, while the first floor prioritizes privacy and accessibility. Additionally, the integration of solar panels on the roof signifies a commitment to renewable energy, and extended roof slabs provide necessary shade, creating conducive outdoor spaces. Surrounding landscaping, featuring native plants, further enhances the environmental response, improving both aesthetics and local microclimates.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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