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Passive Cooling Through Traditional Wind Towers with Stucco and Lattice Screens

Author:
Razan Jamal Sadeq Abuelshayeb
Passive Cooling Through Traditional Wind Towers with Stucco and Lattice Screens

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional wind towers and intricate lattice screens, this residence achieves effective passive cooling, seamlessly integrating modern living with sustainable design principles in a harsh climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a wind tower for natural ventilation to enhance indoor comfort.
02
Incorporates traditional lattice screens to promote airflow while providing privacy.
03
Features a modern stucco façade that complements the local architectural heritage.
04
Integrates smart technology for real-time climate monitoring and energy efficiency.
05
Strategically designed courtyards foster indoor-outdoor connectivity and greenery.

### Project Overview

**Title:** Al-Barajil
**Location:** United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Al-Barajil exemplifies a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati architecture, prominently featuring a wind tower, or Al-Barajil. This architectural element is designed to address the region's extreme climatic conditions through efficient passive ventilation and the integration of advanced technologies. The intent of the design is to create a harmonious balance between cultural heritage and contemporary living.

### Architectural Strategy

**Ventilation and Aesthetic Integration**
The wind tower is a pivotal feature, employing passive pressure mechanics to naturally cool indoor environments. This thoughtful adaptation of historical architecture supports energy efficiency and temperature regulation. Additionally, a minimalist design approach refines the traditional wind tower, ensuring it serves as both a functional and visually appealing component of the structure.

**Material Selection and User Experience**
The building's exterior incorporates durable materials designed for the local climate. A smooth stucco finish presents a modern façade, while decorative lattice screens—echoing traditional Mashrabiya—facilitate airflow and privacy. The main entrance's wooden elements introduce warmth to the overall aesthetic. Interior spaces are thoughtfully laid out, enhancing connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas through courtyards and terraces. Living spaces are bright and airy, featuring strategically placed windows, while private quarters are designed to foster intimacy and balance. Functional service zones are streamlined, allowing for efficiency in daily living activities. Integrating smart sensors and modern HVAC systems alongside natural ventilation underscores a commitment to sustainability and energy conservation.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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