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Natural Ventilation and Recycled Brick Integration in Sustainable Residential Spaces

Authors:
Gustavo Sarmiento Peñaranda, Jacobo Quintana Cardona, Jose Leonardo Martinez Arbelaez, Carlos Santiago Villalobos Camacho, Yessica Ayala Correa
Natural Ventilation and Recycled Brick Integration in Sustainable Residential Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating recycled brick and advanced natural ventilation techniques, this sustainable residential design redefines modern living by ensuring environmental efficiency while providing comfortable, adaptive spaces for families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates recycled brick for enhanced sustainability and durability.
02
Features a unique bent A-frame design optimized for natural airflow.
03
Utilizes advanced insulation materials to significantly reduce energy loss.
04
Integrates communal gardens to promote neighborhood interaction and green spaces.
05
Employs passive solar strategies to maintain indoor comfort throughout the year.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the design of "The House of the Future" aims to synthesize modern architectural principles with the cultural heritage of Emirati architecture. The project is developed with a focus on conservation, opportunity, and environmental responsibility, creating a residential typology that addresses the unique urban context of Dubai while fostering a sense of place.

## Spatial Configuration

The spatial layout of the residence is carefully planned to balance private and communal areas. Key components include:

- **Courtyards:** Strategically positioned throughout the design, these spaces promote social interaction and provide environmental benefits, serving as both cooling areas and recreational zones.
- **Open-Plan Living Areas:** The expansive ground floor living and dining areas facilitate a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the overall flow of the home.
- **Private Quarters:** Situated on the upper levels, these areas ensure privacy for family members, while still maintaining cohesion with the surrounding spaces.

## Material Utilization

Material choices play a vital role in defining the project's aesthetic and functional qualities. Selected materials include:

1. **Recycled Brick:** Used for the exterior walls, offering both durability and visual appeal.
2. **Zinc Cladding:** This material is chosen for its weather resistance and contemporary finish.
3. **Sustainable Plasterboard:** Implemented in internal areas, contributing to thermal performance and indoor comfort.
4. **Wooden Finishes:** Applied in various interior spaces to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. **High-Performance Insulation:** Used throughout to minimize energy loss, particularly important in the region's extreme climate.

## Climate Adaptation

The design approach actively addresses local climatic conditions through passive solar strategies and natural ventilation, aiming to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. The incorporation of green roofs and effective shading systems also contributes to energy efficiency and a reduction in overall environmental impact.

Additionally, the project's planning considers urban cooling challenges by allowing for improvements in airflow around the residence, thereby enhancing comfort not only for its occupants but also for the surrounding community.

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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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