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Natural Cooling Through Ventilation Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Dwelling

Author:
Tatiana Valerini
Natural Cooling Through Ventilation Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Desert Dwelling

Project in-detail

Utilizing a vertical ventilation tower and locally sourced sandstone, this residence effectively addresses the region's climate while incorporating a Majlis to foster cultural interaction within a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a vertical ventilation tower for efficient passive cooling.
02
Incorporates a Majlis to enhance cultural social interaction.
03
Constructed with local sandstone and adobe for climate responsiveness.
04
Features aluminum muxarabis panels for effective sun shading and privacy.
05
Integrates water features and landscaping to harmonize with the environment.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the residential project integrates sustainability, cultural architecture, and contemporary design, responding effectively to urban living needs while maintaining a connection with the natural environment. The design is organized into three primary blocks: Circulation (+Majlis), Habitation, and Recreation, each serving distinct functional zones that promote both private living and social interaction, reflective of Emirati cultural values.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Design
The Circulation Block serves as a connector among the various segments, facilitating movement and interaction throughout the residence. A central feature is the Majlis, designed to foster dialogue within a culturally significant communal space, characterized by low seating arrangements that encourage storytelling and community engagement.

In the Habitation Block, accessibility is prioritized with four suites designed for individuals with reduced mobility, each suite complemented by a ventilation tower that enhances thermal comfort. This passive cooling strategy effectively addresses the heat challenges typical of arid climates. The Recreation Block is designed with innovative features, such as "jail walls" that support airflow through a venturi effect, promoting a responsive thermal environment. The spaces are illuminated by natural light, aided by energy-efficient materials including transparent polycarbonate panels that enhance the social atmosphere.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a range of materials that emphasize environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Sandstone and adobe blocks are used for non-structural walls, capitalizing on their natural cooling properties. Wood is selected for its aesthetic qualities and thermal regulation, particularly in communal areas like the Majlis. Additionally, aluminum muxarabis panels provide necessary shading and visual privacy, while polycarbonate panels in the Recreation Block diffuse natural light. Cement-adobe mixtures ensure structural durability, completing the selection aimed at ecological sensitivity and functionality.

The design also incorporates elements such as strategically placed skylights that minimize artificial lighting needs and integrates landscaping features that enhance the relationship between the built environment and nature, reflecting a respect for both cultural and environmental contexts.

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

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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