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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.
The architectural project "The House of the Future" is situated in Dubai, UAE, and integrates contemporary design with cultural heritage. The project emphasizes sustainable living while addressing the unique environmental challenges of the region. Its design combines traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern functionality, creating a residential space that is both practical and culturally resonant.

Spatially, the project features a layout that encourages interaction among residents while providing private spaces for retreat. Key areas include open-plan living and dining spaces that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, along with courtyards that serve both as cooling zones and social areas. The upper floors accommodate private quarters that ensure comfort and privacy for family members. The architectural framework is built upon modular components, allowing for flexible use and easy adaptation over time.

Unique Design Approaches in Sustainable Living

One of the defining characteristics of this project is the innovative use of climatic strategies to enhance energy efficiency. The design incorporates features such as passive solar orientation and natural ventilation through strategically placed openings. A noteworthy design element is the implementation of the ‘wind box’ concept, which allows for improved airflow throughout the structure while maintaining thermal comfort.

Material selection plays a crucial role in defining the project’s identity. The external walls are built with recycled brick, supporting both durability and aesthetic appeal. Zinc cladding is utilized to provide weather resistance, while sustainable plasterboard is used internally to optimize thermal performance. The inclusion of wood finishes enhances the comfort of the living spaces, while advanced insulation materials limit energy loss, addressing the extreme temperatures of the region.

Environmental Considerations and Community Integration

The House of the Future reflects not only an individual residential solution but also a broader commitment to community well-being. The design promotes communal living through shared gardens and recreational areas, fostering social interaction among residents. Strategies to mitigate heat retention and improve urban cooling are integrated into the layout, contributing positively to the local environment.

The project successfully harmonizes traditional architectural values with modern sustainability practices, offering a comprehensive model for future residential designs in similar climatic regions. For detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further.
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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