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Natural Ventilation and Clay Brick Facades in Sustainable Desert Living

Author:
Luigi Pardo
Natural Ventilation and Clay Brick Facades in Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

With clay brick facades and integrated vertical gardens designed for natural ventilation, the structure embodies sustainable living within an arid desert environment, serving as a modern residential community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Clay brick facades provide thermal mass to regulate interior temperatures in an arid climate.
02
Integrated vertical gardens enhance air quality and contribute to natural cooling.
03
Shading devices maximize outdoor usability while minimizing heat exposure.
04
A modular layout allows for flexible use of communal and private spaces.
05
Natural ventilation strategies reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

### Overview
Located in an arid region typical of the Middle East, the design presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional architecture, emphasizing sustainability and communal living while contextualizing itself within the local environment. The architectural layout encourages usability and cultural relevance, creating spaces that reflect both modern sensibilities and deep-rooted tradition.

### Spatial Strategy
The project is characterized by a deliberate interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces that fosters a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. Ample landscaping and strategically placed windows facilitate natural light and enhance views, while courtyards and gardens serve as key gathering spaces for social interaction, balancing communal engagement with individual privacy. The interconnected building volumes enhance spatial fluidity, and the modular approach allows flexibility in usage and aesthetics.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A variety of materials have been employed to meet both functional and environmental needs. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, ensuring durability in harsh weather conditions, while clay bricks provide natural ventilation and thermal regulation. Wood features prominently in shading devices, enhancing warmth and texture, and extensive glass installations offer unobstructed views and maximize light. Sustainable design strategies include solar panel integration to harness renewable energy and natural ventilation through the incorporation of vertical gardens and a central courtyard, minimizing reliance on air conditioning. The use of traditional lattice patterns in brickwork not only contributes to aesthetic appeal but also enhances airflow, supporting cooling in the interiors.

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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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