Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Ventilation and Climate Adaptation in a Home of Clay Bricks and Glass Panels

Authors:
Sara Salari Hanzaei, Fatemeh Mangali Kamsefidi
Natural Ventilation and Climate Adaptation in a Home of Clay Bricks and Glass Panels

Project in-detail

Combining clay bricks and expansive glass panels, the design enhances natural ventilation while integrating a central courtyard, serving as a contemporary family residence that balances private and public spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a central atrium that enhances air circulation throughout the home.
02
Integrates local flora into landscaping to minimize maintenance and promote biodiversity.
03
Utilizes high-performance energy-efficient glass to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
04
Features distinct separation of functional zones for privacy and communal living within the layout.
05
Incorporates shading elements in the roof design to control heat gain effectively.

### Project Overview
The House of Ray is designed to respond to the needs of contemporary residential living, situated within a dynamic geographical context that emphasizes climate sensitivity. The intent of this project is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to both social interaction and private retreat, reflecting modern lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The architectural layout distinctly separates public and private zones, enhancing user experience through intentional design. An internal courtyard serves as a focal point, allowing natural light to permeate the living areas while promoting air circulation. The design facilitates easy navigation between spaces, ensuring coherent traffic flow that adapts to the varied activities of its residents throughout the day. Integration of an elevator further supports accessibility across multiple levels, enhancing mobility within the home.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The exterior features a dual-material façade comprised of textured clay bricks and smooth concrete, which collectively provide durability and visual appeal. Expansive glass panels create connections to the outdoor environment, maximizing natural light. The roofing design includes shading elements that contribute to thermal efficiency while also serving a visual function. Landscape design incorporates local flora, promoting biodiversity and strengthening the relationship between the residence and its surroundings. Sustainability is emphasized through the use of energy-efficient materials and passive solar design principles that address both environmental impact and long-term living comfort.

The layout accommodates various functions across multiple levels, from an open-plan ground floor for social activities to private quarters on the upper levels, ensuring a comprehensive approach to modern living while anticipating future residential trends.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy