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Palm Fiber Canopy Enhances Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Grace Casal, Cyril Roed Quiter Cartalla, John Erick Cabidog Mercado, Al Anthony Casal, Glaidale Ann Petilla Burce
Palm Fiber Canopy Enhances Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating a palm fiber canopy for moisture collection and traditional wind towers for ventilation, the residence optimizes environmental performance while fostering familial connectivity in a sustainable dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a palm fiber canopy designed to enhance moisture collection.
02
Features traditional wind towers for passive ventilation, maintaining indoor comfort.
03
Utilizes rice husk cement for reduced environmental impact during construction.
04
Includes flexible spatial configurations that adapt to changing family needs.
05
Emphasizes communal areas that foster social interaction and family connectivity.

# Analytical Report on The Vortex "Dawaama House"

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Vortex "Dawaama House" exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to the climatic and cultural intricacies of the region. The design emphasizes not only environmental sustainability but also promotes communal interaction, aligning with the needs of modern Emirati family life. The project addresses the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and resource constraints while enhancing the social fabric of its surroundings.

## Design Strategy

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Vortex is structured into distinct yet interconnected zones tailored to accommodate the various demands of everyday life. Private sleeping quarters provide comfort and serenity, while well-organized service areas, including kitchens, streamline household operations. The central living space, reminiscent of the traditional "majlis," plays a crucial role in fostering family connections and social gatherings, thereby reinforcing the importance of communal living.

### Material Use and Sustainability

A conscious selection of materials underpins the building’s design philosophy. The primary use of concrete ensures structural robustness, while the incorporation of palm fiber in fog collectors highlights a commitment to local resources and environmental sustainability. Hydrophobic coatings ensure effective weather resistance and maintenance, and innovative materials such as rice husk cement reduce the overall carbon footprint of construction. This careful consideration of materiality reflects a harmonious balance between modern architectural practices and traditional techniques, ultimately supporting the project’s sustainable ethos.

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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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