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Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Limestone Facade in a Residential Courtyard Design

Authors:
Eslam abdelkhalek metwally sayed Metwally, Omar Metwally, Marwa mohamed ali ahmed Dabaieh
Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Limestone Facade in a Residential Courtyard Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing a double roof system and natural ventilation, this residential structure integrates sustainable limestone and rammed earth materials, fostering energy efficiency within a culturally resonant courtyard design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique double roof system for improved thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates traditional wind catchers to enhance natural airflow.
03
Features a central courtyard that integrates outdoor and indoor living.
04
Constructed with sustainably sourced local materials, including rammed earth.
05
Includes dynamic kinetic louvers for effective sun and heat control.

### Concept Overview

Located within the Emirati context, the design seeks to integrate sustainable living practices with cultural identity, enhancing energy efficiency while reflecting traditional and modern architectural elements. This approach fosters a living environment that responds to both contemporary needs and historical context.

### Structural Form and Cultural Integration

The design evolves from an initial cubic form, modified through subtractive techniques to incorporate traditional Emirati architectural features. Key morphological elements include a bent entrance that enhances privacy while creating an inviting approach, a central courtyard that facilitates natural cooling and ventilation, and wind catchers that enhance indoor comfort. Cultural motifs, such as mashrabiyas, contribute to both aesthetic value and functionality by optimizing privacy and controlling sunlight.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project prioritizes the use of local and sustainable materials, such as limestone for thermal regulation, rammed earth for its favorable thermal properties, and palm reed wood for privacy screens. Innovative elements include photovoltaic panels for energy self-sufficiency, double-layered glass to reduce thermal gain while maximizing daylight, and kinetic louvers for temperature management. A double roof system and a water conservation strategy with greywater recycling further contribute to the building's sustainability and ecological efficiency.

The internal layout is designed to encourage efficient circulation and community interaction, featuring family gathering spaces and private bedrooms with attached baths that utilize indirect daylighting. Biophilic design principles are evident in the incorporation of landscaped courtyards and ventilation strategies that enhance indoor air quality and promote mental well-being.

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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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