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Natural Cooling Through Rammed Earth and Timber Shutters in Sustainable Residential Design

Natural Cooling Through Rammed Earth and Timber Shutters in Sustainable Residential Design
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Employing rammed earth and timber shutters to enhance natural ventilation, this sustainable residence seamlessly integrates traditional design elements with modern environmental strategies to create a comfortable family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth as the primary structural material for improved thermal performance.
02
Incorporates adjustable timber shutters to optimize light and airflow throughout the day.
03
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and provides an outdoor gathering space.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels to support energy needs, reducing reliance on external power sources.
05
Employs traditional windcatcher design principles to enhance passive cooling methods.

**Overview**
Located in Dubai, the Future House integrates sustainable design principles to address the challenges posed by the region's extreme heat and humidity. Drawing insights from traditional architectural practices of the coastal Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, the design incorporates passive strategies that minimize environmental impact while ensuring comfort and livability. This approach is characterized by features such as windcatchers and shaded terraces, which effectively engage with the landscape.

**Climate-Responsive Design**
To respond to the local climate, the design employs several key strategies. A comprehensive wind analysis informs the placement of openings and windcatchers, optimizing natural ventilation throughout the living spaces. Shading devices are strategically positioned to mitigate direct sunlight exposure, effectively reducing indoor temperatures and decreasing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The thoughtful organization of public and private zones, alongside a central courtyard, facilitates airflow and enhances outdoor leisure opportunities, contributing to overall comfort.

**Material Selection for Sustainability**
The choice of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Rammed earth serves as the primary structural element, presenting a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete. Adjustable timber slatted shutters offer flexibility for light control and privacy, while breezeblocks create perforated walls that promote natural ventilation. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels on the roof harnesses solar energy, reducing dependency on external electricity sources. Light-colored facades reflect sunlight, minimizing heat absorption and contributing to thermal comfort within the interior spaces.

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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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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