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Natural Cooling Through Traditional Wind Towers and Compressed Earth Blocks in Residential Design

Author:
Elias Chamoun
Natural Cooling Through Traditional Wind Towers and Compressed Earth Blocks in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional Barjeel wind towers and durable compressed earth blocks, this residential design successfully combines sustainable materials with effective passive cooling strategies to create a comfortable family home in a desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Barjeel wind towers for passive ventilation and cooling.
02
Incorporates compressed earth blocks for thermal mass and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard that enhances community interaction.
04
Includes breeze blocks to improve airflow and aesthetic value.
05
Designed with flexibility for future expansion without structural compromise.

## Overview

Beit Sadu is located in a desert environment and embodies a fusion of contemporary design with traditional Emirati architecture. This residence was developed with a focus on sustainable practices and modern living while honoring the region's rich cultural heritage and climatic conditions.

## Spatial Composition

The spatial organization consists of three levels, including a basement that houses functional areas such as a main kitchen, storage, and parking. The ground floor is designated for communal living, featuring a dining room, communal spaces, and a landscaped courtyard that encourages social interaction. Upper floors are allocated for private bedrooms and study areas, ensuring both accessibility and privacy. The strategic placement of openings, inspired by the traditional Barjeel wind tower, facilitates efficient cross-ventilation, which enhances comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

## Material Selection

The project employs a thoughtful assembly of materials designed for sustainability and suitability to the local context. Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) form the primary structural walls, providing durability and thermal mass properties ideal for the desert climate. Breeze blocks are included for both passive ventilation and aesthetic purposes, while locally sourced terracotta regulates temperature. Structural steel components offer flexibility for potential future expansions without compromising stability. Extensive glass panels enhance natural light, contributing to an inviting interior atmosphere.

## Response to Climate and Sustainability

Beit Sadu's design prioritizes natural cooling mechanisms through its architectural orientation and strategic elevation changes that provide shade. This attention to bioclimatic principles reduces reliance on air conditioning by effectively utilizing prevailing winds for passive ventilation. The selection of local materials further minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation, addressing modern sustainability challenges in construction. The integration of a central courtyard enhances microclimates within the residence, facilitating cooling through vegetation and water features, while simultaneously providing a communal space for residents.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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