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Clay Panels and Wind Catchers in a Self-Sufficient Residential Environment

Authors:
Ahmad Al Hajja, Mohammed Nouri Alshallah
Clay Panels and Wind Catchers in a Self-Sufficient Residential Environment

Project in-detail

Combining clay panels and wind catchers for passive cooling, this self-sufficient residence integrates sustainable materials and innovative water management to create a functional living space in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes clay panels for enhanced thermal performance and durability.
02
Incorporates wind catchers for passive cooling and improved ventilation.
03
Features integrated crop gardens to promote local food production.
04
Employs a modular design for future expansion without extensive renovations.
05
Integrates an advanced water management system for self-sufficiency.

### Project Overview

Located in an urban context, the design of "The Future House from the Earth" focuses on sustainability, modularity, and an innovative approach to residential living. The house occupies a compact footprint of 30 by 15 meters and integrates modern architectural aesthetics with eco-friendly materials. The intent is to create a functional living space that harmonizes contemporary needs with cultural traditions and environmental stewardship.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The design maximizes natural light and ventilation while minimizing energy consumption through an organized spatial strategy. Open spaces are combined with defined zones for family activities, promoting both interaction and privacy. The inclusion of extensive greenery, facilitated through courtyards and garden areas, enhances the aesthetic quality and functional aspects of the dwelling. The elevated design utilizes large openings in the façade to establish a connection between indoor and outdoor environments, complemented by wind catchers for effective temperature regulation.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

Construction employs local, recycled, and sustainable materials, emphasizing a climate-responsive approach. Key materials include concrete clay for durability, clamp bricks with options for diverse aesthetics, and clay boards recognized for their insulation properties. The commitment to sustainable design is further reflected in the house’s capabilities, including net-zero energy consumption through solar integration, a dual-function water management system for recycling, and designated agricultural areas for self-sustaining food production. This focus on innovative material use and construction practices not only enhances the home’s thermal performance but also supports local economies and reduces the overall carbon footprint.

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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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