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Rammed Earth and Wind Catchers Harmonize in Sustainable Family Living Spaces

Authors:
Zahra Rohani-tabdili, Sara Ghashghaei
Rammed Earth and Wind Catchers Harmonize in Sustainable Family Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth and traditional wind catchers, the design creates a climate-responsive family residence that emphasizes sustainable living while fostering communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind catchers to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for thermal mass and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard designed for communal family interaction.
04
Integrates Al Mashrabiah screens for privacy while allowing natural light.
05
Modular layout allows for future expansions and adaptability.

## Overview

The project "From Past to Future" is a residential design located within the Emirate, characterized by its integration of traditional Emirati elements and contemporary sustainable practices. The design aims to create an environment conducive to familial interaction, promoting physical activity and communal well-being, while responding to the unique climatic conditions of the region. By drawing upon the wisdom of historical architectural strategies, the project emphasizes cultural relevance alongside modern living requirements.

## Spatial and Environmental Considerations

### Courtyard and Ventilation Strategies
A key feature of the design is the central courtyard, which serves as a communal space that encourages social interaction while providing protection from the harsh climate. This area is enhanced by carefully selected greenery that contributes to natural cooling. Additionally, wind catchers (Badgirs) are incorporated to harness the region's natural wind currents, facilitating passive ventilation and improving thermal comfort. The inclusion of a solar chimney further enhances air circulation through solar energy utilization.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project utilizes rammed earth as a primary construction material, offering effective thermal insulation and reflecting a commitment to local geology and resource use. This choice aligns with sustainable architectural practices. Other materials include Al Areesh (palm leaves) for solar screens, glass panels for transparency and natural light, and local timber to create warmth and texture in interior spaces. Each material is selected not only for its durability but also for its role in enhancing energy efficiency and fostering a connection to the local environment.

## Layout and User Experience

### Spatial Organization
The layout is carefully structured to ensure a fluid transition between private and communal areas. The ground level consists of essential communal living spaces and the central courtyard, while upper floors are designated for private bedrooms and family areas. A staircase block promotes vertical connectivity, facilitating movement throughout the residence and encouraging a physically active lifestyle.

### Active Living Features
The design incorporates features that promote an active lifestyle, including a swimming pool, a rock-climbing wall, and a surrounding running track. These elements are intended to engage residents in physical activities, supporting overall health and well-being. Additionally, the modular design allows for future expansion, accommodating the evolving needs of families while ensuring sustainable resource usage. The integration of native landscaping enhances ecological practices, promotes biodiversity, and contributes to the creation of pleasant microclimates around the residence.

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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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