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Harnessing Wind Towers and Blockwork for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Monika Malwina Kalinowska, Denys Karandiuk
Harnessing Wind Towers and Blockwork for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing wind towers and durable blockwork, this residential development offers a flexible living environment that adapts to the needs of families while promoting energy efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for efficient passive cooling.
02
Utilizes a modular design allowing for future expansion of living spaces.
03
Integrates an advanced rainwater collection system for irrigation.
04
Employs 3D printing for customized architectural elements.
05
Features a central tower that serves as a community resource hub.

## Overview

The residential project "Tradition Renewed" is situated in the United Arab Emirates and focuses on innovating living spaces through a combination of contemporary design, sustainable practices, and cultural elements. The initiative seeks to address modern housing challenges by creating a collaborative network of dwellings, centered around a "Central Tower" that serves as a technological nucleus. This modular housing model is designed to adapt to evolving family needs, moving away from static housing solutions.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The architectural layout is markedly intentional, featuring a **Central Tower** that connects various villa types and communal areas. This tower not only centralizes essential services, including mechanical and electrical systems, but also allows for gradual expansion or renovation in the future. The project introduces three distinct villa types, known as Starter Houses, with versatile floor plans to cater to a variety of family structures, reinforcing the adaptability of the design.

Within the site, an organic flow harmonizes with existing landscapes, creating a transition between public and private spaces. The integration of **landscaped areas** extends living spaces outdoors, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability. Communal facilities, such as shaded courtyards and gathering zones, promote social interaction and strengthen community ties.

## Material Innovation and Sustainability

Material selection plays a critical role in fulfilling the project’s sustainability goals. The use of **blockwork and concrete** ensures structural integrity and thermal performance, while **3D printed components** facilitate customized designs, minimize waste, and expedite production timelines. Renewable energy strategies are prominent, featuring **solar panels** and environmental monitoring systems to optimize energy generation and resource management.

Liveable spaces are enhanced with passive cooling mechanisms, such as **wind towers**, which utilize natural airflow for climate control, thereby reducing dependence on mechanical systems. Moreover, a rainwater harvesting framework efficiently captures and redirects water for irrigation, further contributing to the project's sustainability ethos. The design's energy management systems are calibrated to support a maximum occupancy of 15 individuals, ensuring that solar energy can meet residential demands effectively.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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