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Elevated Greenery and Natural Ventilation in a Community-Focused Urban Habitat

Authors:
Ala ali muthanna Ali, Ahmed Hegazi
Elevated Greenery and Natural Ventilation in a Community-Focused Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Elevated greenery and integrated natural ventilation define a residential community in Cairo that thoughtfully addresses urban living challenges while fostering social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated communal gardens integrated within the architectural structure enhance biodiversity and social interaction.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels used in construction provide both structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
03
Natural ventilation systems designed to optimize airflow reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to aesthetic appeal while enhancing fire resistance.
05
Strategic placement of windows maximizes natural light while ensuring privacy for residents.

# Analytical Report on the RUAYA Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located beneath the Rod Al-Fang bridge in Cairo, Egypt, the RUAYA project addresses pressing socio-environmental challenges such as overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure. The initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents by focusing on sustainable and inclusive development, with an emphasis on community engagement. Drawing from the Arabic term meaning "vision," the project aspires to create a supportive environment that balances ecological and urban needs.

### Spatial Strategy

The design prioritizes urban cohesion by integrating green spaces, community gardens, and multi-functional public areas that promote social interaction among residents. The layout maximizes access to natural light and encourages community participation. Pathways are strategically placed to offer 180-degree views of the Nile and facilitate movement while enhancing visual engagement with the surroundings. Communal spaces are purposefully designed to host events, reinforcing the project's commitment to fostering a vibrant neighborhood culture.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials for RUAYA reflects a commitment to both sustainability and functionality. Concrete serves as the primary structural element for its durability, while glass façades enhance transparency and facilitate natural light, promoting energy efficiency within living spaces. Steel is utilized for structural support, allowing for innovative architectural forms. Interior wooden elements add warmth, contrasting with the industrial precursors. Furthermore, vegetation is woven into the design, contributing to aesthetic appeal, environmental sustainability, and improved air quality.

The project includes diverse unit types, catering to various living needs: a spacious family unit of 190 m², a double unit of 133 m², and a single unit of 86 m², each designed to support a balance of private and communal living experiences.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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