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Adjustable Terraces and Wind Towers Crafted from Local Materials in a Modern Residential Setting

Author:
Alba melissa Perez toscano
Adjustable Terraces and Wind Towers Crafted from Local Materials in a Modern Residential Setting

Project in-detail

With adjustable terraces and integrated wind towers crafted from locally sourced materials, the design achieves a seamless indoor-outdoor connection in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Adjustable terraces provide customizable outdoor living spaces for enhanced privacy and social interaction.
02
Wind towers are integrated into the design to promote passive cooling and improve air circulation.
03
Prefabricated steel and locally sourced clay materials enhance structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light entry and offers unique spatial dynamics.
05
Landscaping incorporates regional flora to foster biodiversity and complement the architectural form.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential development focuses on creating a tranquil living environment that contrasts with the vibrant urban surroundings. The design emphasizes flexible living spaces that adapt to the needs of its inhabitants, utilizing strategic spatial arrangements, carefully selected materials, and sustainable practices to achieve both functionality and aesthetic integrity.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design features a network of terraces that facilitate a dialogue between indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging relaxation and social interaction. The spatial organization clearly delineates public and private areas, ensuring comfort while promoting openness among residents and guests. Flexible terrace designs enable homeowners to customize their living spaces, fostering personalization in contemporary housing.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The architectural choices reflect a commitment to durability and environmental responsibility. A prefabricated steel structure forms the backbone of the building, allowing for efficient construction and robustness. Locally sourced materials, such as a regional clay mix with concrete, enhance thermal performance, addressing the climatic challenges of the region. Large glass elements ensure abundant natural light, reinforcing the connection with the landscape while remaining energy-efficient.

Additionally, the incorporation of a wind tower optimizes natural ventilation, enhancing indoor climate control without reliance on mechanical systems. The landscaping integrates local flora to create a complementary micro-ecosystem, enriching both the architectural experience and local biodiversity.

### Floor Distribution
The residence is organized over three levels, each assigned distinct functions:
- **First Floor (138.67 m²)**: Features communal areas such as living, dining, and kitchen spaces, including a patio for outdoor engagement.
- **Second Floor (156.23 m²)**: Houses private quarters with bedrooms and adaptable terraces, ensuring ample natural light while maintaining privacy.
- **Third Floor/Rooftop (16.87 m²)**: Designed for future expansion, this level serves as an observational space, enhancing overall spatial dynamics.

### Area Summary
- **Total Area Under Roof**: 305.97 m²
- **Area Distribution**:
- First Floor: 138.67 m²
- Second Floor: 156.23 m²
- Third Floor: 16.87 m²

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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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