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Water Harvesting Home Featuring Metal-Organic Frameworks and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Yair Pery
Water Harvesting Home Featuring Metal-Organic Frameworks and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Employing metal-organic frameworks for atmospheric moisture capture, this residence integrates sustainable materials and modular design to address water scarcity while providing essential living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs metal-organic frameworks to effectively capture atmospheric moisture.
02
Integrates modular housing design for flexible living arrangements.
03
Utilizes shading devices inspired by traditional mashrabiya structures for climate control.
04
Incorporates a self-sufficient water harvesting system to address local water scarcity.
05
Features a mixed material approach with concrete, glass, steel, and composites for durability.

**Overview**

Located in Dubai, the Water Harvest House project introduces a residential design that addresses the unique challenges of the region's climate while respecting its cultural heritage. This project aims to integrate sustainable practices with contemporary architectural methodologies. By drawing from traditional forms and modern technology, it aspires to redefine the concept of urban living and enhance community engagement within the residential framework.

**Spatial Configuration**

The design consists of modular units, each measuring 10 by 10 meters, strategically arranged to foster both privacy and interaction. The layout includes dedicated areas for public interaction, such as communal spaces, alongside private living quarters and service blocks efficiently hidden from primary views. The arrangement supports flexibility, accommodating various family sizes and promoting communal living. Exterior spaces like patios and gardens serve as transitional zones, encouraging outdoor activities while mitigating the urban heat island effect.

**Material Performance and Water Harvesting**

A distinctive feature of the Water Harvest House is its innovative water harvesting system, which employs Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF) for moisture capture. This technology allows the house to generate its own water supply by condensing atmospheric humidity. The design incorporates durable materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. The considerable use of glass enhances natural light flow, while the exterior fabric, inspired by traditional geometric patterns, serves both aesthetic and functional roles in shading and moisture collection. Solar panels integrated into the roofing contribute to energy efficiency, supporting the house's systems and enhancing its self-sufficiency in the context of Dubai's sunny climate.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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