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Natural Clay and Wood Synthesis for Community Living in Arid Landscapes

Authors:
Naveen Sukumaran Nair, Levin Puthusserippady Joy, Preethi Mathew, Jaya Krishnan R.j
Natural Clay and Wood Synthesis for Community Living in Arid Landscapes

Project in-detail

Merging traditional clay and wood construction techniques with modern ventilation systems, the design fosters a sustainable community space tailored for arid environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional clay and wood construction to enhance thermal performance.
02
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for improved natural ventilation.
03
Features mashrabiya screens for privacy and airflow.
04
Includes modular spaces that allow for future adaptability.
05
Integrates courtyard layout to facilitate community interaction.

## Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Tent project is designed to harmonize modern living with the region's rich cultural heritage. It addresses the rapid growth and modernization influenced by the petroleum boom while serving as a cultural artifact that respects traditional desert lifestyles. The intent is to provide a comfortable living environment that integrates contemporary amenities with the socio-cultural identity of the UAE.

## Cultural Context and Environmental Adaptation

The design integrates elements of traditional nomadic tent structures, translating them into a modern context that prioritizes functionality and community. The architecture focuses on environmental sensitivity, utilizing strategies that promote natural ventilation and heat mitigation, thereby respecting the desert surroundings. The layout incorporates open courtyards and segmented indoor spaces to facilitate social interaction while maintaining personal privacy, fostering community engagement.

### Materiality and Structural Form

The material selection reflects local building practices and contemporary sustainability standards. Clay and mud bricks are employed for their thermal properties, while wood is used for both structural integrity and aesthetic elements. Glass features allow for natural light ingress without sacrificing privacy, complemented by mashrabiya screens that enhance ventilation and create intricate shadow patterns reminiscent of Islamic architecture.

The architectural form takes cues from traditional shapes, featuring sweeping roofs designed to manage environmental conditions effectively. Landscaping elements further blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces through the integration of vegetation, enhancing the overall quality of living. The project also anticipates future expansion needs, ensuring adaptability as societal requirements evolve. Unique features such as dynamic canopy systems and strategically placed gathering areas reinforce community connectivity and user comfort.

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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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