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Passive Cooling Residences with Modular Design for Arid Climates

Passive Cooling Residences with Modular Design for Arid Climates
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Utilizing hollow brick construction and modular design, this sustainable residential initiative captures wind and solar energy to create adaptable living spaces for families in Dubai's arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wind tower enhances passive cooling and air circulation.
02
Solar panels provide energy independence for homes.
03
Modular design allows for family needs expansion.
04
Rainwater and greywater harvesting support responsible water management.
05
Hollow bricks promote thermal comfort in exterior walls.

"Where Wind Finds Home" is a comprehensive residential initiative located in Dubai, UAE. It focuses on sustainable living solutions tailored for low-income communities. The design emphasizes environmental responsiveness and energy efficiency, aiming to create a functional living space that interacts dynamically with the local climate. This project serves as a model for future housing developments that prioritize sustainability and community resilience.

Sustainable Integration and Family-Centric Design

This project embodies a commitment to sustainable integration within urban settings. Key features include a wind tower that harnesses natural breezes, allowing for passive cooling and improved air circulation, significantly reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

Additionally, solar panels placed strategically on roofs enhance the energy independence of the homes by generating surplus electricity. The project incorporates a modular design approach, providing flexibility for families as their needs evolve, allowing for expansion without extensive reconstruction. Outdoor spaces are integral to the design, fostering interactions with nature and the surrounding community through open-air patios and communal gardens. The arrangement of spaces prioritizes both private and social interactions, creating an environment conducive to family life while inviting community connectivity.

Innovative Climate Adaptation and Resource Management

A distinguishing characteristic here is its methodical approach to climate adaptation. Utilizing local architectural traditions, the design incorporates passive cooling strategies that address the hot, arid climate of Dubai. Features such as solar chimneys enhance natural ventilation, further contributing to the energy efficiency of the homes. The inclusion of rainwater and greywater harvesting systems signifies a commitment to responsible water management, supporting both domestic use and landscaping needs. Materials play a vital role in the project’s sustainability. The use of hollow bricks for external walls promotes thermal comfort, while recycled plastic cladding reduces environmental impact. Internal finishes utilize moisture-resistant gypsum plastering, enhancing durability and aesthetics.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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