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A Clay-Brick Community Hub with Modular Solar Shading

Author:
Kristina Klimova
A Clay-Brick Community Hub with Modular Solar Shading

Project in-detail

A sustainable community center integrates conventional clay brick construction with modular solar shading elements, promoting social engagement and contemporary environmental practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional clay bricks to enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a modular solar shading system tailored for Dubai's climate.
03
Features integrated water elements for evaporative cooling within the design.
04
Promotes communal interactions with strategically placed open spaces.
05
Blends modern materials with cultural motifs reflecting local heritage.

The Wind Catcher is designed to merge traditional elements with contemporary sustainability practices in Dubai. The project focuses on creating a communal living environment that minimizes energy consumption while enhancing occupant comfort. It serves as both a private residence and a community hub, embodying several innovative design strategies that contribute to its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The architectural design incorporates passive energy principles, focusing on natural ventilation, solar shading, and thermal insulation. The project features modular construction methods, allowing for flexible spatial arrangements. The design includes communal and private spaces, promoting social interaction while accommodating individual needs.

Integration of Traditional and Modern Elements

A key aspect of The Wind Catcher is its structural form, which draws inspiration from traditional tent structures found in the Arabian Peninsula. This reference to local culture enhances the project's identity while maintaining a modern edge through the use of advanced materials and construction techniques.

The modular solar shading system is a distinguishing factor of the design, regulating solar gain and ensuring natural light penetration without compromising thermal comfort. The use of clay bricks and African Chandan wood not only contributes to the project's environmental goals but also adds visual richness and texture to the facade. The design’s emphasis on open-space living facilitates a sense of community. Communal areas, including a living room and kitchen, are positioned to encourage gatherings, while personal living quarters on upper floors provide privacy.

The inclusion of green roofing adds ecological value, offering thermal insulation and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, water features integrated into the landscape actively contribute to the microclimate, utilizing evaporative cooling methods that enhance the overall environmental performance of the building.

Sustainable Material Choices

The material selection for The Wind Catcher plays a critical role in its design integrity and sustainability objectives. The primary materials used include clay, raw fibers, eco-resin spray, glass, and timber. The use of locally sourced clay bricks not only reduces transportation emissions but also ensures appropriate thermal mass, while the raw fiber component enhances structural resilience. Eco-resin spray coats the exterior, providing longevity and moisture protection. The project adopts a comprehensive approach to sustainability by considering the lifecycle of materials and their impact on the environment.

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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
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