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Passive Cooling with Traditional Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials in Modern Living Environments

Authors:
Kana Sricharoenchai, Napapa Soonjan, Thanapat Limpanaset
Passive Cooling with Traditional Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials in Modern Living Environments

Project in-detail

Combining traditional wind towers for passive cooling with a modular design and natural materials, this residence exemplifies a contemporary approach to sustainable living in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional wind towers to enhance passive cooling efficiency.
02
Incorporates a modular design for flexible space adaptation over time.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance.
05
Integrates communal living areas that reflect cultural values and modern needs.

## Project Overview

The Anti-Aging Dwelling is situated in the United Arab Emirates and responds to the evolving demands of contemporary living while incorporating cultural, environmental, and social considerations. Designed to adapt to changing social behaviors and climatic conditions, the residence serves as an example of innovative architecture that prioritizes flexibility and sustainability.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The three-story dwelling is thoughtfully organized to accommodate a range of uses. The ground floor features communal spaces, including a Majlis and open-plan kitchen, designed to facilitate social interactions. Semi-private areas, such as dining and living spaces, occupy the first floor, while the top level is dedicated to private accommodations, including bedrooms and adaptable home office spaces. This layout reflects the balance of modern household dynamics and traditional UAE lifestyles.

### Materiality and Environmental Responsiveness

Materials have been selected for their functional and aesthetic contributions. The structure primarily utilizes concrete for its durability, while glass enhances natural light and transparency within the home. Wood is incorporated into the facade for decorative and shading purposes, and brick is applied to promote airflow and thermal mass. A traditional Barjeel wind tower is integrated to support passive cooling. Moreover, the rooftop features solar panels, effectively harnessing renewable energy resources. The design also incorporates noise-canceling walls to minimize urban disturbances and enhance living quality.

In addition, the use of modular construction allows for future adaptability, enabling residents to reconfigure living spaces as needed. Landscaping elements, including open courtyards and gardens, create connections to the natural environment, contributing to both the aesthetic value and the residents' well-being.

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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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