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Passive Cooling Through Wind Towers and Eco Hab Panels in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Anabela Macieira
Passive Cooling Through Wind Towers and Eco Hab Panels in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Harnessing passive cooling through traditional wind towers and constructed with Eco Hab panels, this sustainable residential design offers a modular living experience that adapts to the changing needs of its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Eco Hab panels for reduced environmental impact and enhanced insulation.
02
Incorporates traditional wind towers for natural passive cooling throughout the residence.
03
Features an indoor courtyard to facilitate natural ventilation and light.
04
Modular design allows for future extensions based on occupant needs.
05
Integrates water features to improve microclimate and aesthetic appeal.

## Overview

The "House of the Future" is an architectural design project located in an unspecified area, drawing on both modern construction technologies and traditional practices suited for desert climates. The design emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and adaptability, serving as a framework to meet contemporary living demands while respecting cultural contexts. Key elements of the project include structural components that integrate modular design principles and biomimicry, promoting a harmonious connection between the residence and its environment.

## Spatial Configuration and Design Logic

The layout consists of a thoughtfully arranged ground floor and first floor designed to balance communal and private living. The ground floor incorporates essential living areas, an indoor courtyard for natural ventilation, and recreational features like swimming pools that foster a connection with nature. The first floor features private spaces such as bedrooms and a master suite, all paired with balconies that enhance thermal comfort. A central circulation core facilitates movement between these social and private domains, ensuring dynamic interactions while respecting user privacy.

### Material Innovations

The project employs a selection of innovative materials that prioritize sustainability. Eco Hab Panels, made from biodegradable materials, minimize environmental impact and enhance the building's energy profile. The Keralima Eco Plaster employed in the façade offers heat-reflective properties, contributing to energy efficiency. Clay plaster features a passive cooling system that regulates indoor temperature alongside fiber and insulation materials that help reduce energy consumption. This deliberate selection underscores a commitment to ecological integrity and positions the residence as a model for future sustainable housing.

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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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