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Passive Cooling Through Wind Towers and Rammed Earth in a Modern Family Residence

Authors:
Joanna Eufrosyne Burgess-smith, Serge Akiki
Passive Cooling Through Wind Towers and Rammed Earth in a Modern Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind towers and rammed earth construction, this modern residence achieves effective passive cooling while fostering a sense of community through its thoughtfully designed shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind towers to enhance natural cooling throughout the interior.
02
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for superior thermal performance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features an interconnected layout designed to foster communal living among residents.
04
Employs breeze blocks for both structural integrity and artistic light modulation.
05
Integrates photovoltaic systems seamlessly into the design for energy efficiency.
Villa Nasim is a residential project located in Dubai, designed to harmonize modern living with traditional architectural principles. This villa serves as a multi-family home and is focused on providing spaces that foster community interaction while ensuring individual privacy. It effectively combines contemporary design elements with local influences, utilizing materials and methods that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The villa's layout emphasizes a blend of communal and private spaces. The ground floor features open-plan areas that facilitate social gatherings, incorporating large windows and courtyards that enhance natural light and ventilation. Key functional elements include:

- Main Living Area: Designed for family interaction, this space is connected to outdoor terraces that extend the living environment.
- Bedrooms: Located on the upper floor, these rooms prioritize privacy, while still maintaining a visual connection to the landscape through strategically placed openings.
- Utility Spaces: The inclusion of a rainwater tank and photovoltaic systems aligns the project with sustainable architecture, showcasing a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Design Approaches and Materiality

Villa Nasim employs unique design strategies to address the climatic challenges of the region. Wind towers are integrated into the structure, facilitating passive cooling by channeling breezes throughout the spaces. The use of breeze blocks not only contributes to ventilation but also enhances aesthetic depth by creating rhythmic patterns on the facade.

Material selection is critical to the project’s overall sustainability and functionality. The main materials used include:

- Breeze Blocks: For structural elements and aesthetic treatment.
- Textured Render: Providing a tactile quality to the surfaces.
- Timbers: Sourced sustainably for construction and detailing, introducing warmth and texture.
- Rammed Earth: Used for walls to leverage thermal mass properties.
- Photovoltaic Systems: Reducing energy dependence by harnessing solar power.

Sustainability and Community Focus

A distinctive aspect of Villa Nasim is its emphasis on community engagement through design. By creating shared spaces that encourage social interaction, the villa seeks to enhance residents' quality of life while embracing cultural contexts. The thoughtful landscaping surrounding the villa serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also contributes to temperature regulation, promoting a microclimate that enhances outdoor living experiences.

Villa Nasim stands out in a context where many residential projects follow similar patterns. Its unique combination of sustainable practices, cultural respect, and modern functionality defines its architectural identity. The innovative use of space and materials reduces environmental footprints while fostering community bonds among residents.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Villa Nasim, including the nuances of its architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This will provide a deeper insight into the architectural ideas and methodologies that shape this distinctive residence.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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