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Engineered Bamboo and Natural Clay Plaster Home With Passive Climate Control Strategies

Author:
Qiyue Wu
Engineered Bamboo and Natural Clay Plaster Home With Passive Climate Control Strategies

Project in-detail

Utilizing engineered bamboo and natural clay plaster, this residential design emphasizes passive climate control and adaptability, creating a functional living space that evolves with the family's needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes engineered bamboo for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates natural clay plaster for superior insulation and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features wind catchers to optimize natural ventilation in a hot climate.
04
Designed for easy adaptability to accommodate changing family needs.
05
Integrates large glass panels for increased natural light and connection to the landscape.

## Project Overview
Located in the UAE, the residential project incorporates principles of adaptability, sustainability, and modernist design to create a cost-effective living solution that addresses the changing needs of a family. The design integrates passive cooling strategies and employs a combination of historical architecture elements with contemporary materials, effectively responding to the local climate while creating a functional living environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials that are both regionally appropriate and environmentally responsible. Structurally engineered bamboo is utilized for its rapid growth rate and minimal environmental impact, serving as both a structural and aesthetic component. Natural clay plaster is chosen for its insulation properties, reducing the need for energy-intensive climate control systems, while concrete provides durability and stability in various structural elements. Large glass panels facilitate natural light and ventilation, enhancing the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

### Architectural Layout and Spatial Dynamics
The architectural layout maximizes connectivity among spaces while allowing for privacy in personal areas. The ground floor features a two-car garage and flexible social areas, including an outdoor kitchen and play area, promoting family interaction. In contrast, the upper floors prioritize privacy with bedrooms and a family room designed to offer expansive views, supported by wind catchers that enhance natural ventilation. The integration of open-plan living and dining areas encourages social engagement, while the strategic arrangement of rooms fosters natural lighting and airflow throughout the home.

Additional features include a comprehensive passive climate control system and a flexible expansion plan, allowing for adaptability as the family's needs evolve over time. Landscaping complements the building's materials, enhancing aesthetic and functional values while fostering a connection with nature.

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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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