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Chimney Wall Structure Featuring Openwork Panels and Triple-Glazed Facade for Climate Adaptation

Author:
Maciej ZdzisŁaw Rempalski
Chimney Wall Structure Featuring Openwork Panels and Triple-Glazed Facade for Climate Adaptation

Project in-detail

With a distinctive chimney wall that enhances natural ventilation and a second skin facade of openwork panels, this design optimizes climate responsiveness while providing a comfortable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Chimney wall facilitates passive cooling through natural air movement.
02
Second skin facade utilizes mobile openwork panels to diffuse sunlight.
03
Triple-glazed glass enhances thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
04
Service block design optimizes utility access while maintaining privacy.
05
Layout allows for flexibility in space usage and future expansions.

### Project Overview

The Chimney Wall House is located in the Middle Eastern climate zone and aims to integrate sustainable practices with historical design elements. The project focuses on low-emission, self-sufficient housing that responds to current and anticipated environmental challenges while remaining budget-conscious, with construction costs targeted below 1 million.

### Architectural and Spatial Strategy

Central to the design is the chimney wall, which serves a dual purpose: functioning as a structural element and a natural ventilation system. By facilitating air circulation, it contributes to maintaining cooler indoor temperatures, particularly essential in high-temperature environments. The layout is intentionally organized to promote adaptability, featuring a spacious living room adjacent to an open kitchen, and strategically positioned bedrooms that ensure privacy while allowing for ample natural light. The service block, which accommodates technical services and the garage, is designed to optimize space and enhance functionality without obstructing primary living areas.

### Material and Energy Efficiency

The building employs locally resonant materials to ensure sustainability. Durable concrete blocks form the facade and structural components, while triple-glazed glass is utilized in the second skin facade to enhance energy efficiency. This facade acts as a thermal barrier using mobile openwork panels that facilitate natural ventilation and provide aesthetic transparency. A water circulation system integrated within the chimney wall contributes to passive cooling, fostering a comfortable indoor climate. The elongated form and straight walls of the structure further enhance wind flow, optimizing air dispersion and reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental considerations.

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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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