Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.

### Overview
Located in Qatar University’s desert context, the Windcatcher Project, developed by Mais Architecture Studio, addresses the region’s climatic and socio-cultural challenges. The design integrates elements of traditional architecture with contemporary sustainable technologies to enhance energy efficiency and living comfort.

### Spatial Strategy and Adaptive Layout
Central to the design is a focus on natural ventilation inspired by traditional windcatcher architecture. This approach captures cooler air at higher elevations to facilitate passive cooling, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning. The layout consists of modular housing units that can be combined to create diverse living arrangements, accommodating families of varying sizes. These units are organized into distinct zones, separating private and communal spaces, allowing for flexible interactions while maintaining privacy. This configuration fosters a sense of community while supporting individual needs, thereby adapting to the occupants' evolving lifestyle requirements.

### Materiality and Sustainable Design
The design employs a carefully selected material palette that includes textured finishes and pastel-colored Terrazzo tiles, creating an aesthetically cohesive and functional exterior. The primary building materials consist of reinforced concrete for structural elements, insulated plaster for enhanced thermal performance, and double-glazed operable windows that optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain. Key sustainable features include strategically positioned windcatchers that enhance indoor thermal comfort by promoting airflow and rooftop solar panels that harness renewable energy. Additionally, the integration of underground water tanks addresses efficient water management, essential in arid environments. Together, these elements contribute to the overall sustainability and efficiency of the project.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy