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Passive Cooling Through Clay Tubes Enhances Natural Ventilation in Urban Family Home

Authors:
Ruba Issa Al Issa, Simon Mikhael Hakim, Masa Nedal Kandkji, Saif Hisham Ahmed Bayoumi
Passive Cooling Through Clay Tubes Enhances Natural Ventilation in Urban Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing clay tubes for passive cooling and incorporating a central courtyard, the design fosters natural ventilation and family interaction within an urban residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes clay tubes for passive cooling, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard designed for family gatherings and natural light.
03
Features sustainable materials specifically sourced for local climate conditions.
04
Includes integrated water features for temperature regulation and landscape aesthetics.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through strategic placement of openings and spaces.

Serenity House is an architectural project that exemplifies the integration of traditional cultural values with contemporary sustainability practices. Designed for a family in an urban environment, the project emphasizes communal living while addressing privacy needs. The layout is strategically organized around a central courtyard, allowing natural light and ventilation to permeate the living spaces. The architectural approach captures the essence of modern Emirati life and provides a practical solution for dwelling in high-density areas.

Innovative Cooling Solutions and Material Choices

A key feature of Serenity House is its innovative cooling strategy, characterized by the use of "waterfall clay tubes." This element pays homage to traditional building techniques while adapting them for modern use. The clay tubes enhance thermal comfort by facilitating passive cooling, an essential consideration in the hot climate of the United Arab Emirates. The project also employs bricks with integrated water-supply systems, further contributing to temperature regulation.

The materiality of the house consists of concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth in accents, glass to maximize light, and clay as a primary component in the cooling system, all selected for their sustainability and aesthetic compatibility. This thoughtful selection aligns with the architectural goal of minimizing environmental impact while fostering a natural connection to the surrounding landscape.

Design Layout and Social Interaction

The layout of Serenity House reflects a well-considered organization of space that enhances family interaction. By positioning private areas around the central courtyard, the design allows for communal gatherings while ensuring individual privacy. Common areas are open and fluid, encouraging movement and social engagement. The garden spaces within and surrounding the house enable residents to connect with nature, reinforcing the importance of outdoor spaces for recreation and agriculture.

In summary, Serenity House illustrates a modern architectural response to the cultural and environmental context of the UAE. It maintains a clear focus on family living, sustainability, and the integration of traditional practices in a contemporary framework. For more in-depth analysis, including architectural plans, sections, and design rationales, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for comprehensive insights into the architectural intentions and outcomes of Serenity House.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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