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Ghaf Tree Courtyard House Crafted With Earth Plaster and Photovoltaic Integration

Authors:
Daniel Pesaque Mujica, Bruno Livio Ambrosini Casaretto, Percy Alejandro Cabello Olive
Ghaf Tree Courtyard House Crafted With Earth Plaster and Photovoltaic Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed around a central Ghaf tree courtyard, this residence utilizes earth plaster and integrates photovoltaic systems to maximize energy efficiency, serving as a sustainable home for family gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with earth plaster, enhancing thermal mass and indoor air quality.
02
Features a central Ghaf tree courtyard, promoting social interaction and natural cooling.
03
Incorporates photovoltaic systems for energy independence in a desert climate.
04
Utilizes recycled materials in various structural elements for sustainability.
05
Employs cross-ventilation strategies to optimize airflow and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
The Heritage Home project integrates modern architectural practices with traditional influences in a desert environment. Designed to create a sustainable, community-oriented living space, this architectural endeavor emphasizes both ecological design and cultural relevance. The overall concept fosters a home as a dynamic entity, facilitating connections between its inhabitants and their natural surroundings.

The project features a well-considered layout that employs a combination of rigid structures and flexible arrangements to optimize functionality and heat management. The design revolves around two central courtyards: the Ghaf Tree Courtyard, which serves as a communal gathering space, and the Water Courtyard, intended for more intimate gatherings. Both elements enhance the environmental quality, providing shade, fostering natural cooling effects, and allowing for family interaction in the open air.

Material use is a crucial component of the Heritage Home, carefully selected to reflect sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. Concrete forms the structural backbone of the project, while clay and earth plaster create the wall finishes, enhancing thermal mass characteristics. The incorporation of wood, particularly in the form of Mashrabiya screens, allows for privacy and regulates light entry. Photovoltaic cells play a significant role in powering the home, while recycled materials seamlessly blend functionality with ecological responsibility.

Noteworthy elements of this design include a garden roof that utilizes the upper level for additional greenery, promoting biodiversity and allowing residents to engage with nature directly. The integration of rainwater harvesting systems and cross-ventilation strategies further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. Overall, the Heritage Home goes beyond simple residential design, making extensive use of natural elements to enhance livability and energy efficiency.

This project distinguishes itself through a holistic approach that emphasizes cultural heritage while advocating for sustainable design. The combination of social spaces with natural elements demonstrates an understanding of how architecture can enrich the quality of life for its occupants. Unique architectural ideas and design choices in this project contribute to a living environment that adapts to the needs of its residents while remaining firmly connected to the surrounding desert context.

Explore the project presentation for in-depth details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that provide additional insights into the innovative ideas behind the Heritage Home. The careful articulation of space and functionality makes this project a valuable case study in contemporary architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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