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Rammed Earth and Wind Tower Integration in a Modern Courtyard Habitat

Authors:
Michel Kayrouz, Roodi Mallouhi, Michael Gebrine, Elias Achy, Yasmin Dayshoum
Rammed Earth and Wind Tower Integration in a Modern Courtyard Habitat

Project in-detail

Integrating rammed earth construction with a wind tower and traditional Al Mashrabiyah, the design creates a flexible living environment focused on sustainability and cultural resonance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a wind tower design to enhance natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Utilizes rammed earth walls for thermal regulation and sustainability.
03
Features modular and retractable walls for versatile spatial configurations.
04
Incorporates traditional Al Mashrabiyah for privacy and light diffusion.
05
Emphasizes a modern interpretation of the Emirati courtyard for community interaction.

### Overview

The Adaptive Temple is located in Dubai, UAE, and is designed to integrate contemporary architectural principles with traditional Emirati cultural elements. The intent is to create functional spaces that facilitate a dialogue between environmental sustainability and cultural heritage. Its adaptable design accommodates various urban contexts, from residential neighborhoods to high-rise environments, responding to diverse plot sizes and configurations.

### Spatial Organization

Central to the design is the Adapting Courtyard, a modular space that serves as a flexible intermediary between indoor and outdoor areas. This courtyard features retractable walls that allow for dynamic configurations, enhancing privacy and openness according to user requirements. The Iwan, acting as a transition space, links the interior with the surroundings while embodying traditional architectural motifs. Additionally, the wind tower is strategically incorporated to improve natural ventilation, guiding cooler air into the living areas while facilitating the escape of hot air from the courtyard, thereby demonstrating a bioclimatic approach to temperature regulation.

### Material Use and Sustainability

The project employs a variety of sustainable materials that contribute to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Rammed earth is utilized for its thermal mass, aiding in temperature regulation and minimizing reliance on artificial cooling. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while glass elements optimize natural light without sacrificing thermal comfort. Wood and natural stone are incorporated to enhance the tactile qualities of the interior and exterior spaces, respectively. Collectively, these materials reflect a commitment to sustainable practices, including the integration of solar panels and graywater recycling systems, promoting eco-friendly living within a desert climate.

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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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