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Hemp Block Residence Featuring Moisture Harvesting and Xeriscaped Landscaping

Authors:
Ravi Armoudjian, Judy Mojahed, Nour Hamdoun
Hemp Block Residence Featuring Moisture Harvesting and Xeriscaped Landscaping

Project in-detail

Utilizing hemp blocks and a moisture harvesting system, this residential design prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency while incorporating xeriscaped landscaping to complement its function as a community-oriented home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a moisture harvesting system to capture atmospheric water, reducing reliance on traditional water sources.
02
Incorporates natural ventilation through strategically placed wind catchers, enhancing indoor comfort.
03
Employs hemp blocks for construction, promoting sustainability and strength.
04
Features xeriscaped landscaping designed to minimize water usage while supporting local flora.
05
Includes terraces accessible from each bedroom, encouraging outdoor interaction and community engagement.

## Overview
Villa Adeem, situated in the United Arab Emirates, addresses the region's environmental challenges by prioritizing sustainability and cultural resonance in its architectural design. The project reflects its geographical context while incorporating innovative technologies aimed at reducing ecological, water, and carbon footprints. Characterized by a facade that mirrors natural geological layers, the design utilizes earthy tones to forge connections with the landscape and promote visual cohesion within the community.

### Spatial Organization
The functional layout facilitates a blend of social and private spaces. Ground-level communal areas are designed for natural illumination and ventilation, enhancing usability and comfort. In contrast, the upper level houses private quarters, each with terrace access, thereby encouraging interaction among occupants while fostering an appreciation for outdoor environments. The emphasis on terraces and gardens serves to integrate the building with its surroundings and support a lifestyle that values nature.

### Material Selection and Technological Integration
Villa Adeem employs a range of sustainable materials, including hemp blocks, reflective roof materials, and energy-efficient glazing, all selected to enhance ecological harmony and thermal comfort. The incorporation of advanced technologies further strengthens the building's sustainability objectives. Features such as photovoltaic panels, solar collectors, and a Moist Harvesting System enable energy efficiency and water conservation. Additionally, the Earth-Air Tunnel System utilizes underground temperature differentials to cool incoming air, underscoring the project's commitment to resource optimization.

The landscaping encompasses xeriscaping principles, utilizing native plant species to minimize water consumption while contributing to local biodiversity and microclimate regulation. Traditional elements like wind catchers are integrated into the design to augment natural ventilation, further enhancing the residence's environmental performance.

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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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