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Harnessing Natural Elements With Perforated Screens and Hydropanels in Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Igor Ujdur
Harnessing Natural Elements With Perforated Screens and Hydropanels in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Integrating hydropanels and perforated metal screens, the design efficiently captures wind and moisture in a sustainable residential setting that addresses the challenges of Dubai’s climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hydropanels for water generation from humidity.
02
Features a façade of perforated metal screens for enhanced ventilation.
03
Incorporates native landscaping to minimize irrigation needs.
04
Employs wind turbine walls to generate renewable energy.
05
Integrates a central courtyard for microclimate enhancement.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the design of "The Wind Catcher" exemplifies sustainable residential architecture tailored to the region’s unique climate. Emphasizing design simplicity, the project integrates energy-efficient systems to address both functional living requirements and the optimization of natural resources such as water and wind, which are critical in the arid desert environment.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The project's layout is strategically arranged to facilitate a smooth interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. An engaging massing strategy combines varied textures and volumes, while a central courtyard enhances the livability of the site. This landscaped area introduces greenery and improves microclimatic conditions, offering recreational opportunities. The design prioritizes accessibility, with wide corridors and elevator access ensuring connectivity between public and private areas. An open-plan living configuration fosters family interaction, while the orientation of the building allows for natural ventilation, capitalizing on cooling breezes from the environment.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete forms the robust structural framework, while expansive glass elements invite natural light and maintain thermal efficiency. A distinctive perforated metal screen functions to enhance privacy while promoting airflow. Advanced hydropanels are incorporated to extract moisture from the air for fresh water supply, complemented by thermal insulation for energy efficiency. The surrounding landscape features native flora and water bodies that not only add beauty but also contribute to cooling and ecological balance, reinforcing the project's minimal environmental impact.

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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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