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Mud Brick Structure With Natural Ventilation and Outdoor Living Spaces

Author:
Anahita Zarifi Afshar
Mud Brick Structure With Natural Ventilation and Outdoor Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Employing sustainable mud brick and passive cooling techniques, the design creates harmonious outdoor living spaces that enhance family interactions within a contemporary Emirati residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mud brick walls provide superior thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Wind towers facilitate passive cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
03
Outdoor kitchen promotes cultural dining experiences integrated with nature.
04
Interior gardens enhance air quality and connect living spaces to the outdoors.
05
The spatial layout combines privacy and communal areas to foster family interaction.

## Project Overview
Located in the UAE, Villa Plumeria embodies a contemporary residential design that is deeply rooted in Emirati cultural heritage. The project merges traditional architectural elements with modern sustainable living practices to accommodate the needs of an Emirati family. Inspired by the plumeria plant, the design emphasizes resilience and an intrinsic connection to the local ecosystem.

## Spatial Configuration
The layout of Villa Plumeria is meticulously organized into distinct zones to enhance both privacy and communal interaction. The private areas consist of bedrooms and personal washrooms, strategically positioned to minimize disturbances from shared spaces. Communal areas, such as the living room and dining space, are designed to foster family connections, seamlessly integrating with outdoor gardens and patios. Key features on the ground floor include an open entryway leading into shared spaces, an outdoor kitchen for culturally significant cooking experiences, and two gardens that provide functional outdoor areas for leisure and social gatherings. The first floor features multiple bedrooms designed with privacy in mind, including a balcony that bridges the indoor and outdoor environments with views of the gardens.

### Material Selection
The materials chosen for Villa Plumeria contribute significantly to both its aesthetic and functional qualities. Mud brick is employed for the walls, offering thermal efficiency and an authentic texture characteristic of traditional architecture. Concrete blocks are utilized for floors and roofs, providing structural integrity while allowing for versatile designs. Wood accents in window frames introduce warmth and natural texture, while steel is incorporated into fencing for modern contrast and durability. Earthy paint tones, primarily in white, enhance sunlight reflection to maintain cooler indoor temperatures.

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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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