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Brick Screens and Passive Cooling in Community-Centric Residential Design

Author:
Tadj Eddine Yacine Belakhdar
Brick Screens and Passive Cooling in Community-Centric Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing brick screens for enhanced ventilation and passive cooling, this residential design fosters community interaction while providing comfortable living spaces within the harsh climate of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes brick screens to enhance natural ventilation and reduce heat gain.
02
Incorporates communal gardens designed for fostering neighborhood interaction.
03
Employs passive cooling techniques tailored to the Dubai climate.
04
Features open-plan layouts that facilitate flexible use of living spaces.
05
Integrates traditional Islamic architectural elements with contemporary materials.

### Project Overview
The Oasis House is located in the urban environment of Dubai and serves as a residential design focused on community engagement and sustainability while being culturally relevant. The architectural approach integrates natural elements with modern technology, creating a space designed to coexist with the surrounding desert ecosystem. This report examines the design strategies, material selections, and unique spatial concepts that characterize this project.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement
Central to the design is the concept of communal living within semi-collective areas, balancing public interaction and private spaces. The layout incorporates a central communal zone surrounded by individual residences, encouraging neighborly connections while ensuring personal privacy. Shared amenities such as vegetable gardens and recreational spaces are strategically placed to foster social interactions among families. The spatial arrangement effectively responds to the local climate, particularly in addressing the extreme heat during certain months, utilizing shading and ventilation strategies rooted in the regional context.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
Material selection is pivotal for achieving both sustainability and comfort. The structure employs reinforced concrete for durability, while brick screens provide shade and enhance air flow within the living spaces. Large glass openings facilitate natural light and create a connection between indoor and outdoor areas. Rooftop solar panels underline the commitment to renewable energy, and terrazzo finishes in flooring offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. This careful consideration of materials not only aligns with sustainable practices but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of the Oasis House, characterized by natural colors and textures that harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

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

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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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