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Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Design Informed by Wind Towers and Solar Panels

Authors:
Abdullah Saeed, Akif Khan
Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Design Informed by Wind Towers and Solar Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional wind towers and solar panels, the design incorporates sustainable materials and natural ventilation strategies to create a contemporary residence that prioritizes energy efficiency and cultural context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind towers for natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates solar panels integrated into the roof design.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency.
05
Includes a rooftop terrace promoting urban agriculture.

**Overview**

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future serves as a prototype that merges contemporary living with respect for cultural heritage. This residential design reflects Emirati traditions while addressing modern lifestyle requirements. The architectural intent emphasizes the harmonization of historical values with aspirations for sustainable living, drawing on motifs from Islamic architecture for inspiration.

**Spatial Strategy and User Interaction**

The layout of the House of the Future promotes both communal and private experiences. The ground floor includes open areas for social engagement, featuring a Majlis alongside a pantry designed for communal meals. The first floor accommodates five bedrooms, each with adjoining baths, and two kitchens that support functionality for hosting guests. A rooftop space offers opportunities for relaxation, promoting a connection to nature and enhancing the user experience through expansive views. A notable architectural feature, the wind tower, serves as a natural cooling system, facilitating air circulation and reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The selection of materials reflects durability and aesthetic intent, incorporating reinforced concrete for the primary structure, extensive use of glass to maximize natural light, and wood for decorative elements and façade warmth. The design also incorporates metal grilles, particularly in the wind tower, for ventilation and security. Sustainable practices are emphasized through the use of renewable resources, including solar panels and green terraces for domestic agriculture, minimizing the ecological footprint while promoting responsible resource use. The façade's design integrates traditional geometric patterns with contemporary elements, presenting a visual dialogue that respects cultural heritage while embracing modern architectural sensibilities.

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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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