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Passive Cooling Winds and Clay Bricks in a Contemporary Emirati Villa

Authors:
Bashar Erqsoussi, Eaman Mhd Naim Ireksousi
Passive Cooling Winds and Clay Bricks in a Contemporary Emirati Villa

Project in-detail

Utilizing passive cooling techniques alongside traditional clay bricks, the villa reinterprets Emirati architectural heritage to create a sustainable family residence that integrates natural elements with contemporary living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates passive cooling through traditional Barjeel windcatchers.
02
Constructed with locally sourced clay bricks for optimal thermal performance.
03
Features panoramic glass facades to enhance natural light and views.
04
Includes adaptable spaces for future expansion based on family needs.
05
Integrates outdoor leisure areas, including a gazebo near the swimming pool.

### Project Overview
This modern villa is situated in New Dubai and draws inspiration from traditional Emirati architectural elements. The design aims to integrate these cultural motifs within a contemporary framework, creating a functional living space that reflects the local context while addressing modern lifestyle needs.

### Design Principles and Spatial Organization
The architectural approach emphasizes comfort and functionality through thoughtful spatial arrangements. The villa's layout promotes both communal interaction and privacy, with the ground floor dedicated to shared areas such as the living and dining rooms, as well as essential service spaces. The first floor focuses on private quarters, including a master suite and additional bedrooms, while the second floor offers flexible space for an office or extra bedrooms, accommodating shifting household dynamics.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A significant aspect of the villa is its commitment to sustainable design through the careful selection of materials. Clay bricks provide thermal insulation and durability, while extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and panoramic views. Wooden elements introduce warmth and contrast to the contemporary design, while structural steel ensures stability. The integration of water features not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to passive cooling strategies.

### Passive Cooling and Energy Efficiency
The villa employs a comprehensive passive cooling system, prominently featuring the *Barjeel*, which facilitates natural airflow and temperature regulation. Automated gates and air filtration systems are incorporated to enhance indoor air quality, while an evaporative water system effectively mitigates thermal discomfort during hotter months. This careful integration of passive solutions works alongside conventional air conditioning, optimizing energy use and occupant comfort.

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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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