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3D-Printed Concrete and Vertical Slats Enhance Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Home Design

Author:
Tiago Maximilian Costa Cabral Finger
3D-Printed Concrete and Vertical Slats Enhance Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Home Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D-printed concrete and vertical slats to optimize natural cooling, the design creates a sustainable family home that respects the harsh climatic conditions of Dubai while integrating traditional courtyard elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 3D-printed concrete to reduce construction time and waste.
02
Features vertical slats for enhanced natural ventilation while minimizing heat gain.
03
Utilizes native, drought-resistant plants in the central courtyard to support local ecology.
04
Employs a double-skin roof design to improve thermal insulation.
05
Designed with a courtyard layout to promote social interaction and privacy simultaneously.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the project addresses the environmental challenges of the region by integrating sustainable design principles with traditional Arabic architecture. The intent is to create a living environment that merges modern functionality with cultural heritage while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This project emphasizes the importance of passive design strategies and material innovation to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.

### Spatial Strategy and Natural Cooling

Central to the design is a courtyard layout, a traditional element of Arabic homes, intended to promote both social interaction and effective natural cooling. Bedrooms and windows are oriented toward the courtyard to maximize privacy while reducing direct sunlight exposure, thereby minimizing heat gain. The overall architectural form serves as a protective barrier against harsh desert conditions, allowing for optimal use of interior space. The central courtyard not only acts as a communal area but also employs vegetation that is low-maintenance and climate-resilient, fostering a microclimate that enhances the overall living experience.

### Materiality and Construction Efficiency

The project utilizes 3D-printed concrete to facilitate complex geometries and enhance construction efficiency while reducing weight. Walls are designed with hollow sections filled with local sand for improved thermal stability. The incorporation of double-skin roofing, made from energy-reflective materials, helps maintain thermal comfort by preventing heat infiltration into the living spaces. The structural integrity of the building is ensured through strategically placed steel reinforcement, which addresses both tensile and compressive forces.

By emphasizing a combination of enduring material choices and innovative design, the project seeks not only to provide shelter but also to promote sustainability, reduce energy costs, and support local economies through the use of local materials and advanced construction techniques.

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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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