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Natural Ventilation Through Palm Tree Design in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Erine Lellu
Natural Ventilation Through Palm Tree Design in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating a Palm Tree-inspired Barjeel for natural ventilation, this family residence unites sustainable materials like sandstone and wood, creating an oasis in the desert that emphasizes both communal and private living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a Palm Tree-inspired Barjeel for enhanced air circulation.
02
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone for thermal insulation.
03
Features an open central courtyard that integrates water elements.
04
Design promotes biophilic connections through natural landscaping.
05
Zoned spaces effectively balance communal and private living areas.

## Overview

Located in the arid desert of Dubai, the Oasis House is a residential design focused on fostering a welcoming atmosphere for families within the Emirati community. The architectural concept centers on the metaphor of an oasis, integrating elements of nature into the living environment to promote emotional and physical well-being. By combining traditional and contemporary design principles, the project emphasizes tranquility and rejuvenation amidst a challenging climate.

## Spatial Organization

A key aspect of the design is the structure’s hierarchical organization of spaces, balancing public and private areas. The layout facilitates interaction through fluid connections, with a central courtyard and pond serving as a focal point for communal activities. Public areas, or "wet spaces," are strategically located near the courtyard, while "dry spaces" reserved for personal retreat are situated further away, enhancing privacy and quietude.

### Architectural Features

One of the standout elements of the Oasis House is the Palm Tree Barjeel, which functions both aesthetically and functionally. Designed to resemble a palm tree, this structure promotes natural ventilation, drawing fresh air from various directions to improve indoor air quality. The materials selected for the project—such as sandstone for exterior walls, wood for warmth, glass for transparency, and concrete for structural strength—reflect a commitment to sustainability and harmonization with the local environment. Each material contributes to the overall intention of creating a serene living space while maintaining connection with nature.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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