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Geometric Lattice Facade of Red Clay Bricks and Natural Ventilation in a Modern Emirati Home

Geometric Lattice Facade of Red Clay Bricks and Natural Ventilation in a Modern Emirati Home
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A geometric lattice façade constructed from red clay bricks maximizes natural ventilation while reflecting cultural heritage, creating a modern Emirati home designed for comfort and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geometric lattice façade inspired by traditional Emirati patterns enhances cultural identity.
02
Red clay bricks provide superior thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
03
Strategic outdoor gardens create microclimates for natural cooling.
04
Open floor plans foster social interaction among residents.
05
Natural ventilation systems reduce reliance on mechanical cooling solutions.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design adopts a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Emirati architecture, emphasizing the harmony between functionality and cultural heritage. The project responds to the challenges posed by the local climate—characterized by high temperatures, strong winds, and sand—by integrating design elements that enhance thermal comfort and support sustainable practices. The architectural language reflects an understanding of social needs and local identity, resulting in a thoughtful and contextually relevant outcome.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The building is organized across three floors that serve distinct yet interconnected functions. Public zones, including living and dining areas, are located on the ground floor, while private spaces such as bedrooms and home offices occupy the upper levels. Open floor plans facilitate spatial fluidity, promoting interaction among inhabitants. Outdoor spaces, strategically integrated with gardens and water features, create cooling microclimates and foster a connection to nature. The design employs an intelligent arrangement of windows, skylights, and air cavities to enhance natural ventilation and optimize daylight access.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The material palette is carefully chosen for its sustainability and performance characteristics. Red clay bricks, noted for their excellent thermal insulation, help regulate interior temperatures and reduce energy consumption. The inclusion of cement plaster adds durability and aesthetic appeal, while air cavities within wall assemblies promote natural ventilation. Geometric lattice work on the façade, inspired by traditional patterns, not only provides shade and filtered light but also reinforces cultural significance. This comprehensive material strategy addresses environmental challenges, ensuring the design remains responsive to the surrounding desert context.

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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

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