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Passive Cooling and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Adobe Residence

Authors:
Simon Alejandro Cortes Luna, Alessandro Michele Altamura
Passive Cooling and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Adobe Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing adobe's thermal mass and a passive cooling ventilation tower, the design achieves energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity while serving as a self-sufficient desert residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local adobe to enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a passive cooling ventilation tower for improved air quality.
03
Features a greenhouse integrated into the living space for indoor cultivation.
04
Employs a greywater recycling system for sustainable water management.
05
Designed with flexible spaces to adapt to changing family needs.

### Overview
Located in a desert environment, the (H)OFF-GRID house integrates sustainability with functionality and comfort. The design focuses on creating a self-sufficient residence that minimizes environmental impact while providing a resilient living experience. Key systems for water and energy management have been implemented to support this intention, allowing the home to thrive in arid conditions.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout is purposefully designed to distinguish between public and private areas across three levels. The ground floor hosts communal spaces—including the living room, dining area, and kitchen—adjacent to a greenhouse that underscores a commitment to sustainable practices by facilitating homegrown food production. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, comprising bedrooms and a master suite, each with terraces that promote interaction with the surrounding landscape. The third floor features an expandable area, designed for recreational use, with terraces that can adapt to family needs over time. Vertical circulation is optimized through a staircase that also acts as a wind-catcher, enhancing natural ventilation throughout the residence.

### Sustainability Features
The residence incorporates several advanced sustainability features designed to optimize resource efficiency. A passive cooling system utilizes a tower ventilation mechanism, where strategically placed vents draw in cooler air from the north. Water management systems are integrated with a greywater recycling system, repurposing water from sinks and showers for irrigation and toilet flushing. Additionally, subterranean cooling tubes introduce fresh air that has been pre-cooled through contact with the earth, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

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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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