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Cross-Laminated Timber and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Community Living

Cross-Laminated Timber and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Community Living
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and traditional wind catchers, the design enhances natural ventilation and community interaction within a modern residential complex in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind catchers for natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Integrates communal gardens to foster community interaction.
05
Employs a circular layout to promote neighborly engagement.

## Project Overview

Located in a contemporary urban setting within the UAE, the design integrates a cohesive architectural language that addresses both aesthetic and functional requirements in accordance with local urban planning regulations. The intention is to create a living environment that promotes social interaction while emphasizing sustainability and adaptability to the region's climatic conditions.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The architectural layout, spanning 319 m², features a circular arrangement that enhances communal living and interaction among residents. Each grouping of twelve houses is designed to foster connections while maintaining individual privacy. Key living spaces are adaptable to accommodate a variety of social settings, while strategically placed outdoor terraces, gardens, and pools reinforce the integration of nature within daily life.

Furthermore, the project's inclusion of wind catchers facilitates natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. The thoughtful segmentation within the layout ensures both functionality and a sense of community, allowing for a residential experience that is welcoming and supportive.

## Material Selection and Environmental Sustainability

The materials employed in the construction are selected for their durability, aesthetic qualities, and environmental performance. Concrete provides structural integrity, while glass enhances natural light and connection to the exterior landscape. Timber is utilized to add warmth to both exterior pergolas and interior finishes, creating a tactile experience that complements the overall design. Steel offers robustness, and stone tiles serve both aesthetic and functional roles, aligning with the local climate.

Sustainability practices are embedded in the design approach, with considerations for energy efficiency and resource conservation. The incorporation of natural ventilation mechanisms significantly reduces energy consumption for cooling, while landscaped green spaces and water features enhance biodiversity and support a comfortable microclimate, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

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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.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
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