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Utilizing Adobe And Bamboo Screens In A Modular Design For Sustainable Family Living

Author:
Stephie Moukarzel
Utilizing Adobe And Bamboo Screens In A Modular Design For Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating locally sourced adobe and bamboo screens, the design achieves a balance between sustainable living and modular flexibility, providing an adaptable home for a family of five.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced adobe for thermal regulation in arid conditions.
02
Incorporates 3D printed components for precise, waste-reducing construction.
03
Features integrated hydro panels for sustainable water collection.
04
Employs bamboo screens for natural shading and privacy enhancement.
05
Adjustable modular units allow for future spatial reconfiguration.

### Project Overview

**Project Name:** Haven - Specimen Zero
**Location:** United Arab Emirates (UAE)
**Designed For:** A family of five

Haven - Specimen Zero is a residential design focused on modern sustainable living while integrating traditional architectural practices. The project emphasizes a combination of innovative construction technologies and environmentally conscious strategies, addressing contemporary housing challenges within the unique climatic and cultural context of the UAE.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of Haven - Specimen Zero exemplifies an understanding of family dynamics and functional living. The design incorporates open floor plans that facilitate movement between spaces, promoting interaction among occupants while preserving areas for privacy. Adaptability is a key feature, particularly on the first floor, where the arrangement of bedrooms can be customized to suit different needs over time. Ample natural light is achieved through large windows and strategically positioned skylights, fostering a bright indoor environment that connects seamlessly with the exterior landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability Initiatives

Utilizing locally sourced materials, the project underscores sustainable construction practices. Adobe serves as a primary structural element, drawing on traditional techniques while offering durability. Biodegradable 3D printed components contribute to intricate design features and minimize waste. Bamboo is used for shading, enhancing cooling, and aesthetic value. Sustainability is further reinforced through various initiatives, including the installation of solar panels for energy efficiency and hydro panels that extract potable water. Passive design strategies, such as wind-catching features and rainwater harvesting systems, enhance resource conservation and reduce reliance on mechanical systems, illustrating the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

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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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