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Natural Ventilation and Rainwater Harvesting in Sustainable Polymer Concrete Homes

Authors:
Eduardo Soto Medina, Jesus Alejandro Macedo Gomez, Rodrigo Alexander Udaeta Salinas
Natural Ventilation and Rainwater Harvesting in Sustainable Polymer Concrete Homes

Project in-detail

Incorporating polymer concrete and a focus on natural ventilation, these residences utilize innovative rainwater harvesting systems to enhance sustainability while providing comfortable living spaces for families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes polymer concrete for enhanced durability and thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Features private courtyards that foster community interaction while ensuring privacy.
04
Strategically designed to maximize natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
Employs local materials to maintain cultural relevance and support regional construction practices.

## Overview

Located in Al Wargaa, Dubai, this housing prototype is designed as a response to the area's evolving urban context, blending historic and modern elements. The primary objectives of this project are to emphasize sustainability, community integration, resilience, and cultural identity, addressing the unique environmental and social landscapes of the United Arab Emirates. The architectural approach seeks to provide innovative housing solutions that fulfill the essential human needs for shelter while fostering a sense of community.

## Spatial Configuration

The design integrates various functional spaces—service, leisure, and private zones—promoting a cohesive living environment. A significant feature includes private courtyards that enhance connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing natural light to penetrate living spaces while optimizing cooling in hot climates. The strategic orientation of the residences maximizes exposure to southern sunlight while mitigating the harsh summer heat, contributing to a comfortable living experience.

## Sustainability Features

Sustainability is central to this project, which incorporates a range of innovative environmental solutions. Hybrid solar collectors are embedded in the roof structure, enabling efficient energy generation for heating and electrical needs. The design also features water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, to promote responsible water usage. Additionally, natural ventilation is facilitated through thoughtful window placement and opening mechanisms, further reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and enhancing indoor air quality.

The commitment to using locally relevant materials enhances both the project's ecological footprint and its cultural resonance, ensuring that the design remains relevant to the regional context while fostering community ties.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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