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Harnessing Natural Ventilation With Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Residence

Author:
Linda De Giacomo
Harnessing Natural Ventilation With Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind towers for natural ventilation and a green roof for rainwater management, this residence showcases sustainable design through local materials to create an efficient living space in Dubai's harsh climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers to enhance natural airflow and reduce dependency on mechanical cooling.
02
Features a green roof that captures rainwater for irrigation and integrates local biodiversity.
03
Utilizes perforated metal facades to control heat gain while allowing natural light.
04
Employs modular design elements to facilitate adaptable living spaces for changing family needs.
05
Integrates local vegetation in landscaping, reinforcing connection to the regional environment.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the project encompasses a residential space of 377 square meters, designed to accommodate four to six inhabitants. The layout prioritizes both functionality and environmental sustainability, integrating elements of traditional architecture with modern technological solutions, while focusing on energy efficiency and ecological stewardship.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction
The design features three levels: a ground floor that includes essential communal spaces such as the dining area, kitchen, and library, all oriented towards an internal courtyard that fosters social interaction. The upper levels—comprising private living quarters including bedrooms and a master suite—are strategically arranged to enhance comfort and privacy while maximizing views of the surrounding landscape. This organization supports a cohesive family environment, balancing shared and private spaces effectively.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The facade employs a combination of concrete, wood, metal, and clay, with a distinctive perforated metal screen that manages solar gain and promotes natural ventilation. The roof is equipped with solar panels and features a green roof designed to manage rainwater and support local biodiversity, incorporating vegetation such as date palms and ghaf trees. Furthermore, the implementation of wind towers facilitates natural air circulation, contributing to thermal comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Overall, the project's emphasis on self-sufficiency demonstrates a commitment to sustainable urban living and resource management.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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