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Palm Frond Cladding and Wind Towers in a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Space

Authors:
Mohammad Ali Mohd Eimar, Keita Watanabe, Orges Guga
Palm Frond Cladding and Wind Towers in a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with palm frond cladding and incorporating wind towers for enhanced ventilation, the residence establishes a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while promoting sustainable living through meticulously chosen local materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced palm fronds, enhancing environmental sustainability.
02
Features wind towers to optimize natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Integrates extensive gardens that create a seamless connection with the indoors.
04
Utilizes insulated roof panels for effective thermal regulation and natural light.
05
Emphasizes flexible room configurations for adaptability to varying occupant needs.

## Overview

The Palm/Breeze House is situated in a context that emphasizes both ecological sustainability and cultural resonance. The design skillfully combines traditional construction techniques with contemporary sustainable practices, aiming to create a residential environment that fosters community engagement and promotes natural living conditions through effective light and air circulation.

## Spatial Engagement

**Internal Spatial Organization:** The layout of the Palm/Breeze House is characterized by flexibility and adaptability, with spaces that can be reconfigured as needed. Features such as wind towers facilitate natural cross-ventilation, improving indoor air quality. The design emphasizes visual and physical connections between indoor areas and elevated outdoor spaces, optimizing airflow and light throughout the residence.

**Outdoor Integration:** A series of gardens, visible from various rooms, serve as vital extensions of the interior space. Large openings link indoor living areas to outdoor garden environments, enhancing the inhabitants' daily experiences and encouraging interaction with nature. The central gardens act as communal gathering points, reinforcing connections among residents.

## Material Choices and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Locally sourced palm fronds are utilized for structural and cladding purposes, underscoring an emphasis on craft and sustainability. Insulated polycarbonate roof panels provide thermal regulation while maximizing natural light, thereby reducing energy consumption. Complementing these are metal frameworks for structural integrity and precast earth walls that ensure thermal insulation and moisture control.

Sustainable systems, such as photovoltaic panels, further support energy efficiency by harnessing solar power, while innovative water management techniques contribute to effective drainage and natural filtration, enhancing the resilience of the surrounding landscape without compromising resource conservation. The overall design reflects a thoughtful integration of ecological principles and local architectural vernacular, forging a connection between historical building traditions and modern residential needs.

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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
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