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Natural Ventilation and Terrazzo Facades in Modular Desert Housing

Author:
Xiaowei Bai
Natural Ventilation and Terrazzo Facades in Modular Desert Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional windcatchers and durable Terrazzo facades, the design optimizes natural ventilation and energy efficiency in a flexible modular housing complex tailored for the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional windcatchers for effective passive cooling.
02
Incorporates sustainable Terrazzo facades for durability and aesthetics.
03
Modular units allow for adaptable layouts to accommodate various family sizes.
04
Integrates underground water management systems for efficient resource use.
05
Features communal spaces designed to enhance neighborhood interaction.

The Windcatcher Project, designed by Mais Architecture Studio, is situated in Qatar and tailored to meet the demands of the local climate and cultural context. This residential development integrates traditional architectural principles with contemporary sustainable technologies. Its primary goal is to promote energy efficiency and enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants through thoughtful design and planning.

The Windcatcher Project consists of modular housing units arranged to foster community interaction while providing individual spaces for families. Each unit is adaptable, accommodating varying family sizes and needs. This flexibility is a fundamental aspect of the design, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the Windcatcher Project is its incorporation of windcatchers, a traditional architectural element reimagined for modern use. These structures are strategically placed to capture prevailing winds, facilitating natural ventilation throughout the units. By minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems, the design promotes energy conservation, which is critical in the hot desert climate of Qatar.

The material palette employed in the project emphasizes sustainability. The facade is composed of textured finishes, with Terrazzo tiles utilized for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The structural elements are primarily constructed from reinforced concrete to ensure longevity and stability. The use of double-glazed operable windows enhances energy efficiency, allowing residents to regulate indoor temperatures comfortably.

Community Interaction and Accessibility

The layout encourages social cohesion by integrating communal areas that promote interaction among residents. Pathways and green landscapes connect the units, providing a natural environment that enhances the overall living experience. Each housing unit is divided into private and communal zones, allowing flexibility for family activities while ensuring individual privacy.

Accessibility is a key consideration in the design. Entrances and common spaces are designed for ease of access, accommodating individuals of all ages and abilities. This thoughtful organization enhances the user experience, making the Windcatcher Project not only a residential space but a thriving community.

For additional insights into the architectural concepts and features of the Windcatcher Project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, we encourage readers to explore the project presentation. Detailed exploration of these elements will provide deeper understanding of the innovative ideas that inform this architectural endeavor.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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