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Rainwater Harvesting Atrium Enclosed by Earth Walls and Natural Timber

Authors:
Beatrice Bengasi, Chiara Damiani
Rainwater Harvesting Atrium Enclosed by Earth Walls and Natural Timber

Project in-detail

Utilizing a central atrium for rainwater collection, the residence integrates raw earth walls and natural timber to create a sustainable living environment that emphasizes community and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central atrium designed specifically for efficient rainwater harvesting.
02
Utilizes locally sourced raw earth walls for enhanced thermal mass.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and airflow.
05
Elements of traditional Emirati architecture thoughtfully integrated into modern functionality.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the Temple House design proposal emphasizes the importance of water, a vital resource in the region's arid climate. This project aims to integrate sustainable practices while remaining attuned to traditional Emirati architectural elements, creating a space that fosters both communal interaction and individual privacy.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of Temple House is structured around an open central atrium, known as the mishrab, which serves as the focal point of interaction for occupants. The ground floor features two wings containing functional spaces, including bedrooms and a kitchen, allowing for efficient airflow and the penetration of natural light. The upper floor accommodates additional bedrooms, providing seclusion for residents while maintaining a connection to the central communal area.

### Material Selection
The construction materials selected for Temple House align with local environmental conditions and sustainability goals. Locally sourced raw earth enhances thermal insulation, reducing energy dependency. Wood is used for structural elements, offering warmth and texture, while steel and water-resistant materials are incorporated to ensure durability against the region's climatic challenges. Furthermore, an innovative water collection system channels rainwater into a central reservoir in the atrium, enhancing cooling through evaporation while offering a visually calming feature.

The design reflects a balance between traditional and contemporary architectural elements, with minimalistic aesthetics that emphasize natural materials. Large walls of raw earth are complemented by wooden details, creating a harmonious interior environment enriched by natural light. These choices contribute to a sustainable living experience, underscoring the importance of harmony between architecture and nature.

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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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