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Breeze Blocks and Adobe Walls Shaping Sustainable Living in a Flexible Home

Authors:
Andrea Paola Benitez, Beatriz Hernandez Padron, Carmen Melissa Rodriguez Luna, Maria Alejandra CedeÑo Ovalles
Breeze Blocks and Adobe Walls Shaping Sustainable Living in a Flexible Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing breeze blocks and adobe construction, the home embodies a seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern sustainable practices, creating a flexible living environment that adapts to the needs of its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced adobe bricks to enhance thermal performance and cultural relevance.
02
Features innovative breeze block facades for improved natural ventilation and light.
03
Employs a flexible grid system, allowing for future adaptability and expansion.
04
Incorporates solar panels seamlessly into the roof design for sustainable energy use.
05
Connects indoor and outdoor spaces through strategically angled passageways for enhanced flow.
The Passageway House features an architectural design that integrates sustainable living with cultural resonance in the United Arab Emirates. This project emphasizes adaptability and natural elements, showcasing an innovative approach to contemporary residential architecture. The design promotes flexibility for future modifications while respecting the traditional building methods integral to the region’s heritage.

The architecture embodies a purposeful connection between interior and exterior environments, providing ample natural light and ventilation. Its spatial organization includes distinct public, semi-public, and private zones, allowing for both interaction and privacy. Key elements such as 45-degree angled passages enhance circulation and connectivity throughout the structure.

Cultural Response and Material Choice

A significant aspect of the design is its thoughtful material selection. The use of locally sourced brick and adobe helps articulate a dialogue with traditional Emirati architecture while modern materials like concrete ensure durability and functionality. Furthermore, the inclusion of breeze blocks in the facade adds an aesthetic dimension, allowing for light penetration and air flow without compromising privacy.

The project integrates renewable energy solutions through strategically placed solar panels on the roof, reflecting a commitment to sustainability that aligns with contemporary architectural practices. The thermal mass provided by the bricks contributes to energy efficiency, providing comfortable living conditions despite the region's harsh climate.

Innovative Spatial Dynamics

The design’s circulation strategy, characterized by its unique passageways, allows for seamless transitions between spaces. These passages invite the outdoors into the heart of the home, promoting an ambiance that encourages relaxation and interaction. The second level provides personal retreats while maintaining visual connections to communal areas below, reinforcing a cohesive living experience.

This innovation in spatial planning distinguishes the Passageway House from conventional residential projects. The grid system employed not only facilitates potential future expansions but also reflects modern needs for adaptable living environments. By prioritizing both cultural context and future growth, this project stands as a relevant example of forward-thinking architecture.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Passageway House, including detailed architectural plans and sections, it is encouraged to explore the various architectural designs and concepts presented. These materials provide deeper insights into the unique architectural ideas that inform this project, showcasing its relevance and practicality within contemporary residential architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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