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Natural Ventilation Through Windcatchers And Gabion Walls in a Community-Centric Residential Space

Authors:
Kokhil , Nitesh Math, Shreya Mishra
Natural Ventilation Through Windcatchers And Gabion Walls in a Community-Centric Residential Space

Project in-detail

Balancing natural cooling with sustainable materials, the design integrates windcatchers and gabion walls in a residential complex that fosters community interaction while providing individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates traditional windcatchers for passive cooling.
02
Utilizes gabion walls made from local coral stone for environmental responsiveness.
03
Features a central courtyard designed for community interaction.
04
Incorporates extensive natural ventilation strategies to enhance energy efficiency.
05
Maintains a balance between communal spaces and private living areas for family comfort.

## Project Overview

The "Emirate's Fabric of Unity" is located in Dubai, UAE, and is conceptualized as a representation of the traditional weaving culture that underpins the diverse tribes of the United Arab Emirates. The design aims to manifest the interconnectedness of these cultures through both structural and aesthetic choices, creating a living space that encourages community interaction while respecting individual privacy. The project seeks to harmonize modern living with traditional cultural values.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout of the building strategically delineates private and communal areas. The ground floor plan features spacious living rooms that facilitate family gatherings, an office designed for productivity, and a prayer hall to serve spiritual needs. The first floor prioritizes family living with multiple bedrooms and shared spaces, fostering interactions among residents. Attention to site orientation and wind dynamics enhances comfort, employing features such as wind catchers and pergolas to support natural cooling.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The material palette is integral to the project's sustainability and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing local craftsmanship and environmental considerations. Gabion walls made from local coral rocks provide structural stability and ecological benefits. Durable concrete surfaces are combined with ornamental details that reflect traditional craftsmanship, while large glass windows maximize natural light and create an inviting interior. The incorporation of greenery, including a central courtyard with palm trees and water features, strengthens the connection to nature and promotes overall well-being. Wind catchers are strategically utilized to enhance energy efficiency by efficiently capturing breezes to lower reliance on mechanical cooling. Elements inspired by local wildlife further weave cultural narratives into the architectural fabric.

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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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