Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Central Courtyard Home Using Sustainable Bricks and Ceramic Tiles in a Desert Climate

Authors:
Mohsen Eghmazi, Atefe Bagheri, Ali Asadi Nasab
Central Courtyard Home Using Sustainable Bricks and Ceramic Tiles in a Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Utilizing sustainable bricks and ceramic tiles, this centrally-focused courtyard residence effectively integrates natural ventilation and traditional design elements, catering to the needs of modern family living in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a central courtyard that promotes natural cooling and light penetration.
02
Incorporates thermal mass through the use of sustainably sourced bricks for energy efficiency.
03
Features customized windbreakers to enhance ventilation tailored to the desert environment.
04
Utilizes locally-inspired ceramic tiles to connect with regional architectural heritage.
05
Adaptable living areas allow seamless transitions between private and communal spaces.

**Project Overview**
Located in the arid environment of Dubai, the design draws inspiration from the region's traditional architecture while addressing contemporary residential needs. The intent is to create a sustainable living habitat that reflects both historical context and future requirements, fostering a connection between the built environment and its surrounding landscape.

**Spatial Strategy and Environmental Integration**
The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between structure and environment, incorporating soft, curved forms that facilitate seamless transitions between spaces. A central courtyard serves as a critical feature, providing natural ventilation and daylight while incorporating elements of greenery and water to create a microclimate that moderates heat. Windbreakers strategically placed within the architecture enhance airflow and direct cooling breezes into living areas, promoting comfort and responding effectively to the climatic challenges of the region.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The materials chosen for the project reflect a commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices. Bricks are utilized for their thermal mass properties, enhancing energy efficiency, while ceramic tiles pay homage to local aesthetics and contribute to climate-responsive design. The integration of solar panels further underscores the commitment to renewable energy, ensuring the residence operates in an environmentally efficient manner. Each material serves a dual purpose, enhancing the aesthetic experience while promoting sustainable living practices in line with the region’s climate conditions.

The architectural layout unfolds across two levels, with the ground floor designed around the central courtyard to encourage interaction through open living spaces and strategically placed guest facilities. The first floor includes private bedrooms, each positioned to offer views while maintaining privacy, with flexible areas that allow for future adaptations.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy