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Earth Air Tunnel and Energy-Efficient Living with Triple-Glazed Facades

Author:
Swasti Bhattarai
Earth Air Tunnel and Energy-Efficient Living with Triple-Glazed Facades

Project in-detail

Harnessing natural cooling through an earth air tunnel and enhanced thermal performance with triple-glazed facades, this residence exemplifies energy-efficient living tailored for modern families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an earth air tunnel for passive cooling.
02
Features triple-glazed windows for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Utilizes aerated concrete blocks for lightweight construction.
04
Includes a 26,000-liter underground water tank for water conservation.
05
Integrates solar panels to promote energy self-sufficiency.

### Overview

The Manzil is a single-family residence situated within a contemporary urban context, encompassing a total built-up area of 293 square meters. The design prioritizes flexibility in living spaces while adhering to sustainable design principles and modern building techniques. It focuses on minimizing ecological footprints through strategic environmental considerations and energy efficiency.

### Spatial Organization

The spatial arrangement emphasizes a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor areas, with primary living spaces—including the entry, living room, dining room, and kitchen—positioned to enhance connectivity among occupants. The layout is structured as follows:

- **Ground Floor Plan:**
- Entry
- Living Room
- Dining Room
- Family Room
- Kitchen
- Server Room
- Garage

- **First Floor Plan:**
- Lobby Area
- Master Suite
- Additional Bedrooms
- Balconies
- Utility Areas

This configuration ensures that communal areas are vibrant and engaging, while private zones maintain tranquility and comfort.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy conservation. Notable materials include:

- **ARC Blocks** for structural integrity,
- **Triple Glazed Windows** to enhance thermal performance,
- **Solar Panels** for renewable energy generation,
- **Recyclable Materials** that support a circular economy.

The design features an earth air tunnel that moderates indoor temperatures by channeling cool air from below ground, enhancing energy efficiency beyond conventional systems. Additionally, an underground water tank supports water management efforts, holding 26,000 liters for irrigation and greywater reuse.

The integration of modernist forms and natural materials provides aesthetic appeal while ensuring the residence complements its surroundings. Large windows optimize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a strong connection to the exterior 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.

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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