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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.

# Analytical Report on Villa Nasim

## Overview

Villa Nasim is situated in Dubai, an area characterized by its historical significance and contemporary urbanization. This residential design seeks to address the needs of modern occupants while integrating elements of traditional architecture. The intent is to foster a living environment that balances communal interaction with personal privacy, reflecting the dynamics of contemporary life within a culturally rich context.

## Spatial Configuration

The villa's spatial organization emphasizes a thoughtful distribution of zones dedicated to various functions, including communal gathering, relaxation, and gardening. The ground floor is designed with an open plan that enhances natural light flow, creating an interconnected environment that promotes social interaction. Private areas are strategically positioned alongside courtyards and terraces, ensuring both accessibility and intimacy. The first floor includes private sleeping quarters that provide a retreat-like atmosphere while maintaining visual links to the external landscape.

## Environmental Adaptation

The design incorporates passive cooling techniques that align with sustainable architectural practices. Features such as wind towers have been integrated to capture and direct natural breezes throughout the residence, thereby reducing dependency on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, surrounding landscaping not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes to temperature regulation, fostering a microclimate that supports comfortable living conditions.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

The selection of materials reflects both sustainability and local craftsmanship. Key materials include breeze blocks for enhanced ventilation, textured render for tactile engagement, and rammed earth for thermal regulation. The villa also employs a timber grid system, sustainably sourced, to support structural integrity. A distinct aesthetic is achieved through the use of traditional Arabic motifs and modern design principles, featuring arches, intricate latticework, and ample fenestration. This thoughtful combination allows Villa Nasim to resonate with its cultural identity while offering contemporary living comforts.

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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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