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Raw Earth Construction with Traditional Wind Towers in a Community-Oriented Residence

Authors:
Zohaib Sajid Shaikh Sajid Shaikh, Akhil Bhaskaran Bhaskaran Valiyavalappil, Rafia Mohsin Syed Mohsin Ali Hussaini, Manupriam Surendra Bahdur Seth
Raw Earth Construction with Traditional Wind Towers in a Community-Oriented Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed from 3D-printed raw earth and featuring traditional wind towers, this community-oriented residence emphasizes sustainable living through its unique material use and design, fostering a harmonious indoor-outdoor connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed walls made from raw earth and local waste materials.
02
Incorporates traditional wind towers to enhance passive ventilation and cooling.
03
Features a Zen Garden designed for tranquility and biodiversity.
04
Emphasizes self-sufficiency with areas dedicated to fruit and vegetable cultivation.
05
Integrates geometric alignments towards Qibla for spiritual orientation.

**Overview**

Sakan-e-Noor, located in Al Warqa, Dubai, integrates modern design principles with elements of traditional Islamic architecture. The project aims to foster a contemporary living environment that respects and reflects the cultural heritage of the region. Its strategic site layout enhances natural light and ventilation while supporting sustainability initiatives, addressing the needs of its residents in a rapidly developing urban context.

**Zoning Concept**

The design is organized into four distinct zones, each serving a unique purpose:

- **MAWA - Space of Tranquility:** A Zen Garden designed as a Xeriscape, this zone promotes relaxation through the inclusion of vegetation and natural features.
- **NAEEM - Luxurious Adobe:** This zone focuses on well-lit, comfortable interiors that enhance the living experience through abundant natural daylight.
- **FIRDAUS - Garden with River:** This multipurpose courtyard incorporates a water element that adds aesthetic appeal while maintaining privacy through natural barriers.
- **ADN - A Place for Fruits:** This area encourages self-sufficiency, allowing residents to grow native plants and vegetables, thus reinforcing a connection to nature.

**Architectural Composition**

The house employs a contextual grid approach to zoning that establishes a relationship between public and private spaces through an integrated courtyard design, reflecting traditional Arabic architecture. Setback regulations maintain privacy and minimize noise, while the design incorporates natural ventilation by harnessing prevailing northwest winds.

**Materiality**

A diverse palette of materials has been selected for their functional and aesthetic qualities:

- **3D-Printed Walls:** Utilizing local earth and waste materials, the walls feature two modular types, designed to cut building costs and reduce environmental impact.
- **Natural Finishes:** Weaved thatched patterns draw inspiration from local crafts, enhancing visual appeal and cultural significance.
- **Barjeel (Wind Tower):** This integral feature facilitates natural cooling, promoting thermal comfort while referencing traditional elements of regional architecture.

**Interior Spaces**

The Majlis seating area balances openness with intimacy through expansive glazing and wooden screens, which provide both light and privacy. The longitudinal sections (AA) demonstrate a well-considered spatial distribution, allowing for fluid movement among sleeping quarters, family areas, and communal spaces, thereby fostering social interaction.

**Sustainability Features**

High sustainability standards are a core aspect of the project. Natural ventilation is prioritized to maximize cross-breezes and reduce dependence on HVAC systems. Future plans include the incorporation of solar panels to promote renewable energy use within 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

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