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3d-Printed Earth Structures with Wind Towers for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Bisher Tabbaa, Sarah Hejazin
3d-Printed Earth Structures with Wind Towers for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Boasting wind towers and walls constructed from 3D-printed earth, the design embodies sustainability and adaptability in a modern residential setting tailored for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced 3D-printed earth material.
02
Incorporates traditional wind towers for natural ventilation.
03
Design allows for extensive customization by homeowners.
04
Utilizes camel hair insulation for enhanced thermal performance.
05
Solar panels integrated for energy self-sufficiency.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the project aims to redefine residential living through a design that is both environmentally responsible and culturally relevant. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing with sustainable building practices, the design fosters adaptable living spaces that reflect local heritage. The project's foundation is rooted in a modern interpretation of Emirati architectural traditions, particularly influenced by the historical Al Bait Al Sha'bi.

### Spatial Configuration and User Adaptability
The layout prioritizes the relationship between private and communal spaces, featuring open courtyards that facilitate social interaction among residents. Flexibility is a key aspect of the design, allowing homeowners to customize features such as the number of bedrooms and courtyard arrangements. This adaptability ensures that the residences cater to diverse lifestyles while promoting community cohesion.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a variety of materials selected for their eco-friendly properties. Key components include 3D printed earth, comprised of 80% natural earth and 20% binding agents like rice husk ash, which provides thermal mass and reduces carbon footprint. Additional elements, such as camel hair insulation and solar panels, enhance energy efficiency and contribute to the overall sustainability profile. Innovative architectural features like wind towers facilitate natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems, and thereby supporting a passive temperature regulation strategy.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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