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Travertine Facades and Indoor-Outdoor Harmony in Contemporary Family Living

Author:
Maha Hasan Sharif
Travertine Facades and Indoor-Outdoor Harmony in Contemporary Family Living

Project in-detail

With travertine facades and a careful integration of natural light through expansive openings, the design creates a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience tailored for family activities and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique dual-door entrance design enhances accessibility while maintaining security.
02
Integration of water features within landscaped gardens promotes biodiversity and tranquility.
03
Use of travertine for both facades and flooring ensures durability and visual continuity.
04
Expansive skylights optimized for sunlight maximize natural illumination throughout the interiors.
05
Open-plan ground level facilitates flexible family interactions and fluid movement between spaces.

## Overview

Located within a warm climate region, the design prioritizes a harmonious interaction between built environments and outdoor spaces. The project consists of a multi-story dwelling that emphasizes modern living while enhancing the connection with nature. Detailed architectural plans, elevations, and 3D renderings provide insights into the conceptual framework, execution strategies, and thoughtful material choices made throughout the design process.

## Spatial Configuration

The dwelling is structured across three levels: the ground, first, and roof floors, facilitating varied spatial experiences.

- **Ground Floor:** The layout features an open communal area comprising the family dining and living rooms, which are integrated with garden access, promoting interaction and fluid movement throughout the space.

- **First Floor:** This level is dedicated to private living quarters, including bedrooms and an office area, designed to offer solitude while maximizing natural light through large windows.

- **Roof Floor:** The utility spaces on the roof level enhance functionality, providing necessary services without detracting from the aesthetic integrity of the building.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Features

A deliberate choice of materials contributes to both the modern aesthetic and the sustainability of the structure. Key selections include:

1. **Travertine Marble:** Utilized for flooring and facades for its durability and elegance, well-suited to local weather conditions.

2. **Porcelain Tiles:** Selected for their minimalistic appearance and ease of maintenance, these tiles are installed in high-traffic areas.

3. **Jotun Paint:** Chosen for interior walls to promote a contemporary look with lasting quality.

4. **UPVC Doors:** Offering energy efficiency and enhanced insulation, these doors support the project's sustainability goals while maintaining aesthetic coherence.

5. **Structural Blocks:** Standardized dimensions are likely used to ensure structural integrity throughout the building.

Additionally, the planned integration of outdoor spaces, featuring gardens with water elements and strategically placed greenery, enhances environmental sustainability and resident well-being. The design capitalizes on natural light, thanks to ample window placements that facilitate ventilation and reduce reliance on artificial lighting, further aligning with eco-friendly practices.

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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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