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Blue-Green Flying Roof Incorporating Natural Ventilation Techniques with Breathable Brick Construction

Author:
Amal Khaled Abdellatif Mulhem
Blue-Green Flying Roof Incorporating Natural Ventilation Techniques with Breathable Brick Construction

Project in-detail

A blue-green flying roof and traditional Barjeel work together with breathable brick to create a climate-responsive home that emphasizes cultural heritage while providing a comfortable family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A blue-green flying roof efficiently collects solar energy while reducing heat exposure.
02
Breathable brick walls enhance natural ventilation and indoor air quality.
03
Traditional Barjeel cooling systems are integrated for effective climate management.
04
Shared terraces in private bedrooms foster family interaction and connection to nature.
05
The design prioritizes open courtyards, creating shaded outdoor spaces for relaxation.

**Overview**
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Oasis Home presents a thoughtful architectural solution that merges traditional Arab design with contemporary living requirements. The intent of this project is to establish a sustainable and comfortable residential environment that effectively addresses the region’s climate challenges while honoring its cultural heritage. The design concept draws inspiration from the traditional oasis, creating spaces that promote community interaction and personal retreat.

**Spatial Organization**
The layout of the Oasis Home is organized across three levels, each serving distinct functions. The ground floor features communal living areas, including an open courtyard that enhances natural light and ventilation, alongside a living room (majlis) that balances privacy with outdoor connectivity. Functional spaces such as kitchens and dining areas are integrated to promote efficiency. The first floor is dedicated to private bedrooms, each designed to offer serene views and access to shared balconies to foster family connections. The second floor comprises adaptable multipurpose spaces and rooftop areas designed for leisure and social gatherings, further linking the home to its surroundings.

**Sustainability and Materiality**
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability and thermal comfort. Breathable brick allows for natural ventilation, contributing to effective passive cooling strategies. Structurally, the use of concrete provides durability, while uPVC frames enhance insulation and longevity. The incorporation of glass elements fosters transparency and maximizes daylight. Notably, the architectural design features traditional elements such as a Barjeel (wind tower) for natural cooling, a blue-green flying roof to optimize solar energy, and strategic shading techniques that mitigate direct sunlight. The integration of these elements contributes to the overall functionality and sustainability of the home while fostering a dialogue with its cultural context.

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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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