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Natural Ventilation With Slatted Roof And Local Brick Construction Enhances Community Living

Author:
Ranjan Richard Aluwihare
Natural Ventilation With Slatted Roof And Local Brick Construction Enhances Community Living

Project in-detail

Emphasizing natural ventilation through a slatted roof and constructed from local brick, the design enhances communal living spaces while ensuring environmental efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employed local brick to enhance thermal mass and climate responsiveness.
02
Incorporated a central courtyard to facilitate natural light and ventilation.
03
Utilized slatted roofing to create shaded areas while allowing air circulation.
04
Features reclaimed timber elements for sustainability and aesthetic continuity.
05
Designed to promote social interaction through accessible communal spaces.
The Courtyard House is a contemporary architectural project that incorporates traditional design principles focused on climate responsiveness and social interaction. This residence exemplifies a thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces through the central courtyard, which serves as a communal heart for the home. Its design emphasizes natural ventilation and light, addressing the challenges posed by hot weather conditions typical of the geographical region it inhabits, likely the Middle East.

Architecturally, the project consists of a fluid spatial organization, with functional living areas arranged around the courtyard. The layout fosters connectivity while ensuring privacy in private zones. The building features a combination of ample glazing and shaded areas, creating a dynamic relationship between the exterior and interior environments.

Innovative Cooling and Sustainability Solutions

The Courtyard House distinguishes itself through its application of passive cooling techniques, essential for maintaining comfortable indoor conditions in a warm climate. The incorporation of strategically placed overhangs and slatted roofing effectively reduces heat gain while allowing for light penetration. This design carefully balances aesthetic value and functional performance, showcasing an intelligent response to environmental challenges.

Sustainability is further emphasized through the choice of materials, including local brick and reclaimed timber, which contribute to the project's reduced ecological footprint. The use of galvanized steel provides structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight character. The design integrates solar panels into the roof, allowing the house to harness renewable energy sources, thus aligning with modern sustainability goals.

Integration of Nature and Community

Landscaping plays a crucial role in the design of the Courtyard House, with the central courtyard featuring various native plants that promote biodiversity and enhance the microclimate around the house. This focus on greenery reinforces the connection between the home and its environment, creating a tranquil setting for its inhabitants.

The project prioritizes community living by fostering social interactions among family members and guests. The courtyard facilitates gatherings, offering a shaded outdoor space for relaxation and activities, which deepens the sense of belonging to the home. This consideration of human experience in the design sets the Courtyard House apart from typical residential projects.

For more details on the architectural design, explore the architectural plans, sections, and overarching ideas integral to the Courtyard House. Delve into the specifics of how the project realizes its vision through precise material choices and thoughtful layout.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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