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Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Family Home

Authors:
Ahmed Khaled Sayed Abdelshafy Shafei, Nada Hossam Raafat Abdelaziz
Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Family Home

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and strategically designed windcatchers create a sustainable living environment for a family home that harmonizes modern functionality with cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides thermal mass, enhancing indoor climate control.
02
Windcatchers are integrated into the design for natural ventilation throughout the home.
03
The modular layout allows for flexible space configurations as family needs change.
04
A dedicated Majlis area reflects cultural traditions while promoting social interaction.
05
Green roofs contribute to energy efficiency and ecological integration within the urban environment.

## Overview

Situated in Dubai, UAE, the project exemplifies a contemporary architectural design that interweaves modern technology with traditional cultural elements of the region. The approach reflects a commitment to environmental responsiveness while addressing user-centric needs through a thoughtfully organized spatial layout.

## Modular Spatial Strategy

The design is characterized by a modular approach that provides flexibility in spatial configuration, allowing for adaptability to various living scenarios. The site is divided into three strips, facilitating an arrangement that can evolve according to user demands. The first-floor bedrooms promote family engagement and interaction through strategically placed tandem spaces for communal activities. Shared areas, including the kitchen and outdoor regions, are intentionally designed to foster social connectivity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project incorporates a range of materials chosen for their performance in the local climate and alignment with traditional practices. Rammed earth serves as a key structural component, reflecting historical construction techniques while offering thermal mass. Concrete is employed for structural integrity, while glass is utilized to enhance natural light and visibility of the surrounding gardens. Steel reinforces structural elements, and wood is used for finishing touches to create a warm interior atmosphere. Sustainable features include wind catchers for natural ventilation and green roofs to mitigate heat absorption, thereby promoting ecological balance while enhancing the living environment.

## Environmental Integration and User Experience

The design optimizes environmental integration through staggered court covers for effective shading and an extensive use of landscaping to maintain a harmonious connection with nature. Attention to prevailing wind directions informs the orientation of the house, maximizing solar access and natural airflow. Indoor spaces are enhanced by ceiling voids over parking areas to improve light distribution and ventilation. Notable features include narrow circular openings within rammed earth walls, which not only provide aesthetic value but also diminish heat retention, contributing to comfortable indoor climates.

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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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