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Earth Block Walls Integrated with Natural Ventilation and Central Courtyard for Family Living

Authors:
Ahmed Mohamed Abdelwahab Ahmed, Dalia Saad, Sarah Abdel Hamid
Earth Block Walls Integrated with Natural Ventilation and Central Courtyard for Family Living

Project in-detail

Earth block walls and Travertine marble louvers create a sustainable residence that prioritizes natural ventilation and social interaction through a central courtyard, designed to accommodate family living effectively.
5 key facts about this project
01
Earth block walls enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency while utilizing local materials.
02
Central courtyard design promotes natural ventilation and social interaction among residents.
03
Travertine marble louvers manage sunlight and improve climate control within the home.
04
Modular bedroom layout allows customization to meet varying family needs.
05
Integrated water features in the courtyard contribute to microclimate regulation and aesthetics.

## Overview

Al-Maskan is located within an arid climate, where it aims to integrate modern architectural practices with traditional Arabic design principles. The overarching intent is to create a residential space conducive to well-being and community, utilizing a design that emphasizes sustainability and a strong relationship with the environment. The layout is focused on a central courtyard that forms the core of the residence, facilitating natural ventilation and light, while also serving as a communal outdoor area.

### Spatial Configuration and Features

The architectural design employs a modular system, allowing flexibility in accommodating various configurations, specifically four to six bedrooms. The central courtyard enhances privacy for residents while promoting social interaction. Key design features include vertical and horizontal circulation pathways that ensure functional flow between public and private spaces. The integration of water features within the courtyard not only improves the aesthetic quality but also provides essential cooling benefits in the hot climate.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The materiality of Al-Maskan is carefully considered, utilizing locally-sourced earth blocks for walls that provide thermal insulation and connect visually with the landscape. Polished concrete floors are selected for their durability, while the roof structure features double-glazed windows to optimize natural light and thermal efficiency. Further sustainability efforts include the incorporation of natural ventilation systems such as wind catchers and the strategic placement of solar panels to harness renewable energy. Elements like Travertine Marble louvres manage solar exposure, enhancing thermal comfort throughout the residence.

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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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