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Translucent Concrete and Bamboo Framework Enhancing Sustainable Family Living

Authors:
JÓzsef-levente CzirjÁk, Alan Levy, Miruna-cristina Boca
Translucent Concrete and Bamboo Framework Enhancing Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating translucent concrete and bamboo, the design emphasizes energy efficiency and cultural relevance, resulting in an environmentally sensitive family residence that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printed concrete to reduce waste and enhance design flexibility.
02
Features an interior garden for natural cooling and improved air quality.
03
Incorporates perforated metal sheets inspired by traditional Emirati patterns.
04
Combines translucent concrete and bamboo for both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
05
Design prioritizes family interaction with distinct communal and private spaces.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project emphasizes a blend of contemporary design with traditional Emirati values, responding to the cultural needs of local families. The design intent centers around creating a living environment that fosters community interaction and incorporates advanced construction techniques alongside sustainable practices.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout is strategically organized to distinguish between private and public zones, enhancing both privacy and welcoming spaces for family gatherings and guests. A central Majlis serves as a focal point for social engagement, reflecting cultural traditions while supporting modern living. This careful arrangement promotes ease of movement and interaction, further reinforcing the project's commitment to community-driven spaces.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Key components include 3D-printed concrete, which offers design flexibility and reduces material waste, and translucent concrete, which diffuses natural light while maintaining privacy. Bamboo flooring not only enhances visual warmth but is also a sustainable option. Additionally, the design incorporates perforated metal sheets that echo traditional architectural elements while providing functional benefits such as privacy and shading. Double-glazed windows with a low solar-gain coefficient enhance the building's energy efficiency, contributing to the overall sustainable narrative.

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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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