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Breathable Walls and Indoor Courtyards in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Vikram Ravi, Sidhartha Pathazhakattil Sanalkumar, Nimish Srikanth
Breathable Walls and Indoor Courtyards in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Employing breathable walls and a central indoor courtyard, this residential design maximizes natural ventilation and warmth while seamlessly integrating sustainable practices into everyday living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central indoor courtyard designed to enhance natural cooling and airflow.
02
Utilizes breathable wall construction to improve ventilation and reduce energy consumption.
03
Features a greywater recycling system for landscape irrigation, promoting sustainability.
04
Employs a waffle slab roofing technique to provide structural strength and aesthetic texture.
05
Materials include a unique combination of concrete, glass, and locally sourced wood for durability.

### Overview and Concept
Located in Dubai, "Breath" integrates elements of traditional Emirati architecture with contemporary design principles. The project features an indoor courtyard, a fundamental component that fosters a microclimate, reducing exposure to the region's harsh climate while enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The design emphasizes a fluid relationship between interior and exterior environments, creating a living space that encourages interaction with nature.

### Materiality and Design Features
The material selection prioritizes durability and sensory experience through the use of concrete, glass, wood, metal, and waffle slabs. Concrete offers thermal mass; glass enhances natural light and views; wood adds warmth; and metal provides structural contrast. The waffle slab roofing in the courtyard exemplifies strength and detail.

Key design elements include the central indoor courtyard, which serves as a communal space and ecological resource. The inclusion of breathable walls promotes ventilation and energy efficiency throughout the residence. A clear zoning strategy differentiates private and public areas, maintaining privacy while facilitating communal access. Sustainable systems, such as grey water recycling and cooling technologies, underscore the commitment to resource efficiency. The spatial organization maximizes natural light and airflow, promoting a high quality of living in line with local climatic conditions. The adaptable layout allows for flexible use of spaces, accommodating the ever-evolving needs of residents.

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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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