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Natural Ventilation and Aggregate Concrete Shape a Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Mostafa Ahmed Noureldin Mohamed Sedky, Mahy Ahmed Noureldin Mohamed Sedky
Natural Ventilation and Aggregate Concrete Shape a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Composed of exposed aggregate concrete and strategically designed for natural ventilation, the residence offers adaptable living spaces that prioritize sustainability while catering to family needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for future expansion or reconfiguration based on family needs.
02
Integrated water harvesting system enhances sustainability and addresses local resource management.
03
Exposed aggregate concrete provides durability and texture while minimizing heat gain.
04
Vertical fins create shading and privacy, echoing traditional Emirati architectural elements.
05
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategic airflow design, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, NAWAH embodies an innovative housing model that reflects the region's cultural heritage and environmental considerations. The design prioritizes sustainability and adaptability, addressing the diverse needs of modern families. The project's architecture serves as a narrative of evolution, resonating with both its ecological and cultural context.

## Spatial Organization and User Interaction

NAWAH features a layered spatial layout that facilitates the flow between public and private areas. The integration of courtyards is a key design element, enhancing cross-ventilation and supporting family interactions while providing opportunities for privacy.

The ground floor consists of open-plan living spaces that connect seamlessly to landscaped outdoor areas, promoting a cohesive relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. The first floor is dedicated to personal quarters, ensuring tranquility and privacy, with balconies and terraces that further integrate outdoor living. The basement offers versatile spaces for entertainment and storage, accommodating the possibility of future adaptations.

## Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

The facade of NAWAH utilizes a juxtaposition of exposed aggregate concrete and smooth glass, emphasizing resilience while inviting natural light into the interior. Vertical fins provide shading and privacy, while also referencing regional architectural forms.

Sustainability is central to the design, with features such as integrated water harvesting systems that enhance microclimatic control. Furthermore, the strategic orientation and material selection mitigate heat gain, promoting energy efficiency in the arid climate. The incorporation of solar panels supports renewable energy generation, contributing to the overall sustainability objectives of the building. Reflective materials and extensive planting are included to reduce the urban heat island effect, underscoring a commitment to environmental responsibility.

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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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