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Breathing Blocks and Sustainable Innovation in a Mountainous Environment

Authors:
Abdelrahman Elmansoury, Turki Asiri, Sultan Abdulsattar, Khalid Al Zahrani
Breathing Blocks and Sustainable Innovation in a Mountainous Environment
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Utilizing breathing blocks to enhance indoor air quality, the design effectively captures solar energy while integrating a gray water recycling system, serving mixed-use functions in the mountainous landscape of Taif.
5 key facts about this project
01
Breathing blocks enhance indoor air quality by efficiently absorbing pollutants.
02
The southern façade is optimized for solar energy capture to reduce heat loads.
03
A gray water recycling system repurposes wastewater for irrigation purposes.
04
Tensile cladding made from pvdf fabric contributes to lightweight design elements.
05
Strategic balcony setbacks create shading and minimize heat exposure inside.

The Bathra Tower is located in Taif, Saudi Arabia, an area known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. The tower serves multiple purposes, blending with the mountain backdrop of Mount Bathra. Its design draws from the local geography, making it a part of the region while focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Sustainability Features

The Bathra Tower prioritizes sustainability through various innovative design elements. Breathing blocks are used within the building to absorb pollutants, improving indoor air quality. This feature plays a crucial role in managing air pollution, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone inside.

The building also incorporates a gray water recycling system. This system repurposes water from sinks and showers for irrigation, supporting efforts to conserve water. By utilizing wastewater in this manner, the tower reduces its ecological impact and showcases its commitment to sustainable practices.

Energy Efficiency Strategies

The southern façade of the building is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Research shows that this facade can effectively capture solar energy, which helps to lessen heat in the building. Balconies are thoughtfully positioned with a two-meter setback that provides shade, further protecting interior spaces from excessive heat.

Wind Management

Wind conditions are another important consideration in the design of the Bathra Tower. Analysis indicates that the western façade faces the most wind exposure. To address this, a secondary façade is added to shield the structure from wind, helping to create a more comfortable environment for occupants.

The tower features pvdf fabric for its tensile cladding. This material is lightweight yet strong, allowing for flexible design options that align with the overall vision of the project. The combination of these elements results in a building that is both functional and connected to its natural surroundings.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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