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Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Shape Sustainable Urban Residence

Authors:
Mohammadhosein Rahimizadeh, Kamyar Mahboobi, Shaghayegh Nemati, Hosein Roasaei, Ziba Baghban
Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Shape Sustainable Urban Residence

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and integrated windcatchers provide passive cooling in a modern residence designed for community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides natural insulation and thermal mass.
02
Windcatchers enhance passive cooling, reducing energy consumption.
03
A central courtyard promotes social interaction and natural light access.
04
Local materials, including finite boards, minimize environmental impact.
05
The design allows for modular adaptability to changing family needs.

### Overview

Zephyr House is situated within an urban framework that integrates modern living with historical architectural principles. The project's intent is to create a sustainable living environment that bridges environmental considerations and social interactions while reflecting the cultural heritage of the region. Inspired by traditional windcatchers, the design utilizes natural ventilation strategies to enhance the indoor climate, effectively addressing temperature regulation without reliance on mechanical systems.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of Zephyr House centers around a spacious courtyard that facilitates natural light and air circulation throughout the residence. This central gathering space serves as a focal point for communal activities, enhancing the sense of community among residents. The design incorporates curvilinear forms that contrast with the surrounding rectilinear urban landscape, promoting tranquility and encouraging interaction with nature. By prioritizing connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design creates a fluid living experience that adapts to various functions, accommodating both family interactions and larger community gatherings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material choices for Zephyr House emphasize sustainability and local context. Key materials include rammed earth panels, which provide thermal mass and draw from traditional building techniques, and finite boards, a low-carbon composite that utilizes local desert sand. The use of timber in structural elements and windcatchers adds both strength and an organic aesthetic, while glass and aluminum are employed in energy-efficient windows to maximize natural light. Additionally, fine concrete clay compounds enhance durability while complementing the visual language of the residence. These materials are not only functional but are also carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding environment, reinforcing the residence’s commitment to sustainable architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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