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Passive Cooling Techniques with Exposed Aggregate and Courtyards for Sustainable Family Living

Authors:
Mei Batayneh, Hazem Fu'ad Tawfique Nimri, Devashish Pradhan, Tala Shelbayh, Hala Ziad Ahmad Mansour
Passive Cooling Techniques with Exposed Aggregate and Courtyards for Sustainable Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing reinforced concrete and powder-coated steel, the residence incorporates passive cooling strategies and communal courtyards to enhance family living in a sustainable and adaptable environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes passive cooling through strategic airflow systems and wind catchers.
02
Integrates communal courtyard spaces promoting family interaction and outdoor living.
03
Features modular design elements that allow for spatial reconfiguration over time.
04
Employs sustainable materials, including recycled insulation, enhancing ecological performance.
05
Incorporates large glass panels for optimal natural light while maintaining privacy.

### Overview

Located in a contemporary urban setting, this residential project reflects Arab cultural values, emphasizing family, tradition, and community. The intent is to innovate traditional living by offering a flexible and adaptive space that serves diverse family needs while acknowledging historical context. The design integrates modern aesthetics with cultural significance, creating environments that respond to the dynamics of family life.

### Spatial Strategy

A primary focus of the design is its modular and adaptable spatial framework. The layout allows for the easy reconfiguration of spaces to meet shifting demands, supporting the changing dynamics of family life. Central to this arrangement is a communal courtyard that serves as a focal point for social interaction, reflecting the importance of shared experiences in family units. Individual spaces are thoughtfully incorporated to accommodate personal activities, ensuring that all family members have dedicated areas for privacy and specific pursuits.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project’s identity and function. The use of reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, while large glass openings enhance natural light and connectivity to the outdoors. Powder-coated steel accents and locally sourced stone provide both durability and aesthetic appeal. Emphasis is placed on ecologically sustainable materials, including permeable paving and recycled insulation, supporting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Passive cooling techniques, such as wind catchers and solar chimneys, address energy efficiency, and the incorporation of photovoltaic solar panels positions the design as a forward-thinking solution within the region's climate context.

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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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