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Limestone Cladding and Natural Ventilation in a Desert-Inspired Courtyard Residence

Author:
Mesimaaria Karoliina Koponen
Limestone Cladding and Natural Ventilation in a Desert-Inspired Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced limestone and designed around a central courtyard for natural ventilation, the residence addresses the challenges of a desert climate while providing a harmonious living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced limestone for thermal efficiency.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
03
Incorporates a greywater recycling system for sustainable water management.
04
Utilizes native plant landscaping to promote local biodiversity.
05
Designed to integrate traditional Arabian architectural elements with contemporary needs.

### Overview

House A is located in the United Arab Emirates and embodies a commitment to sustainable architecture while honoring the cultural heritage of the region. It integrates traditional design elements with contemporary architectural practices to address the environmental challenges presented by the desert climate. The project is organized around a central courtyard, which facilitates natural ventilation and shade, enhancing both community interaction and individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The design is grounded in the principles of traditional courtyard housing, offering a solution that addresses the needs of modern living. A key feature is the 'living garden,' which not only enhances the aesthetic but also serves as a functional outdoor space that encourages biodiversity. The layout promotes a blend of indoor and outdoor activities, creating environments conducive to both social interaction and personal reflection. This arrangement supports the cultural practices of family and communal life, adhering closely to the values prevalent in Emirati society.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices in House A reflect a thorough consideration of local traditions and sustainable practices. Local limestone is utilized for cladding, providing durability and effective thermal regulation. Sustainably sourced timber contributes to both structural integrity and aesthetic richness, while natural stone elements are strategically placed to enhance cooling. Insulation materials, including rigid insulation and vapor barriers, are incorporated to maintain comfortable indoor climates. The use of local materials serves to minimize the environmental footprint and foster a connection with the surrounding context.

In addition to its materiality, the building employs passive and active energy solutions. Its orientation is optimized to capture prevailing winds, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. Further sustainability practices include a rainwater collection system and greywater recycling for irrigation purposes, illustrating a comprehensive water management strategy designed to support the landscape while promoting ecological responsibility.

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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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