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Adaptive Mashrabiyas and Natural Ventilation in a Modular Home Built with Insulated Clay Blocks

Authors:
Isto Ville Rantanen, Heimo Severi Virolainen
Adaptive Mashrabiyas and Natural Ventilation in a Modular Home Built with Insulated Clay Blocks

Project in-detail

Utilizing adaptive mashrabiyas and a solar chimney, this modular residence achieves environmental harmony and energy efficiency, serving as a contemporary family home designed for flexibility and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adaptive mashrabiyas for dynamic sun control and ventilation.
02
Integrates a solar chimney for enhanced natural airflow and passive cooling.
03
Constructed with insulated clay blocks to maximize thermal efficiency.
04
Features a modular design that allows for future expansion without major renovations.
05
Employs renewable energy solutions, including integrated solar panels.

## Overview

Located in an environmentally sensitive area, the House of Future presents a modern approach to residential architecture that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and integration with its surroundings. The design focuses on modularity, allowing individual components to respond effectively to local climate conditions while enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Key features include advanced natural ventilation systems and renewable energy technologies that collectively support an eco-friendly lifestyle.

## Spatial and Ventilation Strategy

The building's spatial layout is organized to facilitate social interaction while retaining personal privacy. The ground floor comprises communal living areas that encourage engagement with natural surroundings, while the upper levels provide private quarters with terraces that offer scenic views. A notable aspect is the incorporation of windcatchers and solar chimneys, which enhance natural ventilation by leveraging prevailing winds and facilitating thermal buoyancy. This approach significantly reduces reliance on conventional heating and cooling systems.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Composition

Material selection is integral to the project's performance and visual appeal. Insulated clay blocks form the primary structural elements, offering robust thermal insulation while minimizing energy consumption. The façade employs a mix of finishes, including reflective render treatments that reduce heat absorption. Adaptive mashrabiyas, designed from lightweight materials, serve not only as dynamic sun screens but also contribute to the building's aesthetic by casting varied light patterns throughout the day. This thoughtful combination of materials and design elements underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and innovative architectural expression.

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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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