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 Through Adobe and Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Elisabetta Grassi
Natural Cooling Through Adobe and Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Harnessing natural ventilation through integrated windcatchers and a central courtyard, this sustainable residence employs adobe and water features to create an efficient living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard enhances natural ventilation and thermal comfort.
02
Integrated windcatchers optimize airflow throughout the interior.
03
Water features contribute to cooling and create a tranquil environment.
04
Adobe construction provides excellent thermal mass for energy efficiency.
05
Lattice facades promote privacy while allowing natural light access.

## Overview
Located in a climate that values both tradition and modernity, the Windcatchers House merges principles of passive cooling with contemporary living. Its design is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture, specifically the use of windcatchers, and revolves around a central courtyard that enhances its microclimate. The layout promotes functional aesthetics while ensuring natural ventilation and thermal comfort throughout the residence.

## Spatial Organization
The Windcatchers House comprises individual zones tailored for various functions. The ground floor features a lobby, living and dining areas, and a service kitchen, with a swimming pool situated in the courtyard to facilitate evaporative cooling. The first floor is dedicated to private bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing residents to enjoy views of the courtyard while maintaining privacy. The basement accommodates a cinema and storage spaces alongside technical systems vital for climate control. This strategic organization supports both community engagement and personal retreat, effectively addressing user needs.

## Materials and Systems
The material selection emphasizes sustainability and performance. Adobe blocks are utilized for their thermal mass properties, while extensive glass elements improve natural lighting and connections to the outdoors. Wood is incorporated within the latticed facades, adding warmth and texture, and durable stone flooring maintains cooler indoor temperatures. Water features are integrated to enhance cooling and provide tranquil spaces.

The design incorporates advanced climate-responsive systems such as a shower cooling mechanism that maintains indoor temperatures with efficient water use and strategically placed openings for optimal cross-ventilation. The overall approach reflects an integration of environmental considerations with cultural relevance, underscoring the dialogue between historical architectural practices and contemporary demands.

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

`
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

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