Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Cooling and Low-E Glass Feature in Sustainable Dubai Residence

Author:
Khadija Al Chami
Natural Cooling and Low-E Glass Feature in Sustainable Dubai Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing barjeel ventilation towers and Low-E glass, the design maximizes airflow and energy efficiency in a residential space that harmonizes modern living with sustainable practices in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes barjeel ventilation towers to enhance natural airflow.
02
Employs Low-E glazing to minimize heat transfer and boost energy efficiency.
03
Features an internal garden that promotes biodiversity within the living space.
04
Incorporates high-performance brick for superior thermal regulation.
05
Integrates traditional design elements with modern sustainable materials.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, this project embodies a contemporary architectural vision that aligns with sustainable living principles while responding to the region's climatic and cultural context. The design integrates aesthetics and functionality, addressing the unique challenges posed by the local environment.

### Spatial Organization
The layout is strategically divided into three distinct zones: a **Guest Zone**, a **Family Zone**, and a **Service Zone**, each color-coded for clarity within the overall design. This organization promotes an intuitive flow between spaces based on their intended use and proximity to external landscapes. The spatial arrangement enhances both public and private interactions while ensuring a coherent connection with the surrounding area.

### Material Selection and Performance
A focus on sustainability is evident in the choice of materials, which are selected for their thermal efficiency and suitability for the local climate. The design utilizes concrete for its thermal mass capabilities, paired with white Portland cement that reflects sunlight to reduce heat absorption. Additional features include specialized paints that reflect infrared light, double or triple-glazed windows with low emissivity coatings, and high-performance brick and stone. These materials work collectively to maintain an optimal indoor climate while minimizing energy consumption. The integration of solar panels and the consideration of wind patterns within the layout enhance natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Notable features like barjeel ventilation towers reinforce traditional methods of airflow management, complementing the modern design ethos of the residence.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy