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Natural Ventilation Through Clay Jail Blocks and Desert-Inspired Courtyards in a Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Amiel Joshua Fegarido Lu, Dennis Freo, Rendel Natiola, Seancer Madrilejos
Natural Ventilation Through Clay Jail Blocks and Desert-Inspired Courtyards in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing clay jail blocks for enhanced natural ventilation and incorporating desert courtyards, the design creates a sustainable residential environment that balances cultural heritage with modern living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional clay jail blocks for natural ventilation and shading.
02
Incorporates desert courtyards to enhance outdoor living and biodiversity.
03
Features a flexible floor plan promoting both community and privacy.
04
Employs low-emission glass to optimize energy performance.
05
Integrates solar hydro panel technology for water harvesting.
The Oasis House is a residential architecture project located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This project reflects a contemporary design approach while incorporating traditional Middle Eastern elements, creating a unique living environment that addresses the challenges posed by the arid climate. The primary function of the Oasis House is to serve as a comfortable and energy-efficient dwelling that fosters both private and communal interactions among its inhabitants.

A key aspect of the design is the emphasis on sustainability and resource efficiency. The structure utilizes natural ventilation through wind towers and employs solar hydro panel technology to harvest water from the atmosphere. This strategy reduces reliance on conventional energy sources and highlights the importance of ecological responsibility in modern architecture. Low-emission glass panels contribute to the energy performance of the house, optimizing light while minimizing heat gain.

The architectural layout features open spaces that encourage social interaction, with family living areas and communal zones designed to promote connectivity. The inclusion of private areas, such as strategically positioned bedrooms, balances the need for personal retreat with the desire for community engagement. The use of local materials, including clay jail blocks and reinforced thermal blocks, enhances the environmental footprint while paying homage to traditional building techniques.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinctive design approaches of the Oasis House is its integration of cultural and environmental elements into the living experience. The architecture incorporates traditional Arabic aesthetics, exemplified by the intricate detailing on facades and the incorporation of Maijlis rooms for social gatherings. These spaces highlight the cultural significance of communal interaction in Middle Eastern society.

Additionally, the project addresses the desert environment through the design of courtyards that mimic natural oases, allowing for greenery and shade in an otherwise challenging landscape. This design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes biodiversity by attracting local flora and fauna. The careful consideration of landscape elements further reinforces the connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

Architectural Features and Materials

The Oasis House showcases a variety of architectural features aimed at enhancing both functionality and sustainability. The use of lightweight concrete cladding ensures durability while contributing to thermal efficiency. The expansive windows and open-plan configurations foster natural light penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the overall architectural design. Reinforced thermal blocks and low-emission glass are strategically selected not only for their physical properties but also for their contribution to the house's energy performance. The design process pays particular attention to minimizing the carbon footprint through careful material selection and innovative engineering solutions.

For a more in-depth understanding of the Oasis House, including its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, consider exploring the project presentation further. This will provide a comprehensive view of the architectural ideas that define this unique residential project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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