Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Aquaponic Greenhouse and Wind Tower Blend in Sustainable Emirati Residential Design

Author:
Nour Khraibani
Aquaponic Greenhouse and Wind Tower Blend in Sustainable Emirati Residential Design

Project in-detail

Combining a barjeel for passive cooling with an integrated aquaponic greenhouse, this sustainable Emirati residence utilizes recycled materials to enhance its functionality and environmental efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a barjeel for natural ventilation and passive cooling.
02
Incorporates an aquaponic greenhouse seamlessly connected to living spaces.
03
Features recycled polyethylene mesh for innovative water collection systems.
04
Employs bamboo flooring, contributing to sustainable material choices.
05
Integrates a central courtyard to enhance microclimate conditions.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design integrates traditional Emirati architectural principles with contemporary sustainable practices. The intent is to preserve cultural heritage while addressing modern living needs, resulting in a dwelling that honors historical narratives and promotes self-sustaining lifestyles.

### Spatial Configuration and Cultural Resonance

The design emphasizes a community-oriented layout, comprising dedicated areas for living, dining, meditation, and food production. This organization promotes interaction while accommodating contemporary requirements. Key components include a reimagined Barjeel, or wind tower, which facilitates natural ventilation and cooling, as well as a strategically placed greenhouse that supports culinary needs and enhances biodiversity. Traditional elements are preserved through spatial configurations that echo historical architecture while addressing functional living.

### Material and Sustainability Strategies

A diverse selection of materials underpins the design, blending traditional and innovative solutions. Recycled polyethylene mesh is employed for fog catchers, capturing moisture, while polycarbonate sheets ensure natural light and temperature regulation. Sustainable bamboo flooring adds aesthetic value, complemented by an integrated aquaponic system for food production. Various passive cooling strategies, such as courtyard features and shaded Rewaq structures, reduce thermal discomfort in the arid climate. Moreover, the design incorporates water conservation techniques, including composting toilets and gray water recycling systems, to minimize environmental impact while fostering a connection to the local ecosystem.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy