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Rammed Earth and Iroko Wood Blend in a Sustainable Urban Community Design

Rammed Earth and Iroko Wood Blend in a Sustainable Urban Community Design
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Constructed with rammed earth and Iroko wood, this sustainable urban community emphasizes natural ventilation and shared spaces, fostering a cohesive living environment for families in an arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Developed using rammed earth, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional mashrabiyya screens for natural ventilation and privacy.
03
Features a community courtyard designed to facilitate social interaction.
04
Utilizes Iroko wood for durability and aesthetic appeal in structural elements.
05
Includes green roofs to promote biodiversity and insulation.

## Overview
Located in the Nad Al Sheba neighborhood of Dubai, the Dubai Habitat project exemplifies a commitment to sustainable living and cultural integration within the context of contemporary architecture. The design promotes innovative technology while honoring traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements, aiming to create a community-oriented environment that addresses the specific challenges of urban dwelling in arid climates.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Interaction
Adaptive living spaces define the project’s spatial organization, which features interconnected layouts designed to enhance openness and facilitate airflow. The integration of voids throughout the structure not only encourages natural light but also improves climatic comfort. Traditional elements such as windcatchers and courtyards are incorporated to leverage passive cooling techniques and foster social connectivity among residents. These features are complemented by modular housing configurations that allow for customization, thereby accommodating diverse family sizes while reinforcing communal living.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects both sustainability and aesthetic considerations. Iroko wood, noted for its durability, forms essential structural and decorative elements. White precast concrete provides structural integrity along with energy efficiency through thermal massing. Rammed earth concrete enhances thermal performance and aligns with local vernacular architecture principles. Additional sustainable features include brown roofs and vegetable gardens that promote biodiversity and insulation benefits, while mashrabiyya screens offer privacy and enhance ventilation in a desert environment. Energy generation is supported by solar panels, including an innovative spherical sun power generator, and a vortex bladeless turbine, which provides environmentally friendly energy solutions with lower maintenance requirements.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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