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Natural Breezes and Earth Insulation in a Subterranean Residential Retreat

Authors:
Zoran Mirceta, Eren Kargi, Tamer Tarstriaaust AÇar
Natural Breezes and Earth Insulation in a Subterranean Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing earth insulation and natural breezes, the design creates a subterranean living space that offers an adaptive response to the heat of the desert while maintaining functional comfort for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an underground footprint to capitalize on the earth's natural cooling properties.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and light distribution.
03
Employs translucent textiles to diffuse sunlight while minimizing heat gain.
04
Features wind panels that direct breezes into living spaces for passive cooling.
05
Integrates local materials, such as clay and sand, for thermal efficiency and sustainability.

### Overview

The project "nasim" is situated in Dubai, addressing the challenges posed by the region's arid climate through an innovative subterranean design. The intent is to create a living space that provides a cooler environment while maintaining a strong connection to nature and cultural heritage. The design utilizes underground spaces, leveraging the earth's natural cooling properties, while incorporating elements of traditional architecture to enhance comfort and livability.

### Spatial Strategy and Environmental Integration

At the core of the design is a central courtyard that promotes natural ventilation and daylight, serving as the focal point of the residence. The layout encourages cross-ventilation and interaction with the surrounding environment. The structure's thermal mass makes use of the earth's inherent capabilities to regulate temperature, drawing on concepts from traditional desert architecture. Additional features include an offset roof design that optimizes the entry of natural light into living spaces, thereby balancing illumination with thermal comfort. Wind panels and columns are integrated within the design to capture and direct natural breezes, further enhancing internal air circulation and reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

### Material Selection and Performance

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's effectiveness. Clay is selected for the walls, providing insulation against the desert heat while contributing to thermal regulation. Translucent textiles are employed in lightweight structural elements, allowing for light diffusion and reducing solar gain. Steel is utilized for structural support, combining modern resilience with aesthetic qualities. This thoughtful choice of materials reflects local traditions while embracing contemporary manufacturing techniques, resulting in a cohesive narrative that bridges past and present architectural practices. Furthermore, the incorporation of sand as an insulating layer enhances thermal efficiency, safeguarding the interior from direct sunlight and building a comfortable microclimate throughout the residence.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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