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Rammed Earth Walls and Ventilating Windcatchers Enhance Community Living Space

Authors:
Ahmad Pordel, Lisa Schreiber, Fatemeh Sedrehneshin
Rammed Earth Walls and Ventilating Windcatchers Enhance Community Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing rammed earth construction and traditional windcatchers, this community-focused residential design integrates sustainable materials to create a functional living environment in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional windcatchers for natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption.
02
Incorporates rammed earth walls to enhance thermal mass and cooling efficiency.
03
Features modular living units that can adapt to changing community needs.
04
Integrates green roof systems to promote biodiversity in an urban setting.
05
Adopts perforated clay blocks in facades for aesthetic appeal and light diffusion.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the House of the Future is designed to synthesize traditional Islamic architectural principles with contemporary design methodologies. The intent of the project is to foster a sustainable community that resonates with the cultural context of the UAE, encouraging unity and shared experiences among residents. This report examines the principal design elements, materials used, and innovative concepts integrated into the project.

### Community-Centric Design
The layout of the House of the Future is organized to enhance community interaction, creating a microcosm of social relationships among residents. Each living unit is interconnected with shared spaces, promoting engagement while preserving individual privacy. This design strategy incorporates private courtyards that function as communal gathering areas, fostering a sense of belonging while serving the diverse needs of the inhabitants. Furthermore, the modular approach allows for scalability, enabling additional units to be added over time, thus adapting to changing community dynamics.

### Material Innovation and Sustainability
The design employs a range of materials that prioritize sustainability and modern construction techniques. Key components include rammed earth for walls, which enhances thermal mass and natural cooling, and lightweight concrete for structural flexibility. Extensive use of glass in windows maximizes natural light, improving indoor environmental quality. The incorporation of green roof systems contributes to thermal performance and biodiversity, while prefabricated elements streamline construction processes, minimizing waste. Additionally, a focus on natural ventilation through windcatchers and strategic unit orientation reduces dependence on mechanical cooling systems. The integration of solar panels and advanced water management systems, including rainwater harvesting, aligns the project with sustainable practices appropriate for the arid climate of Dubai.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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