Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Living Enhanced by Solar Chimney and Native Palm Wood Integrating Tradition and Modern Comfort

Author:
Sara Mohamed Abdelbasir Mohamed
Sustainable Living Enhanced by Solar Chimney and Native Palm Wood Integrating Tradition and Modern Comfort

Project in-detail

Utilizing a solar chimney and native palm wood, the design reflects a commitment to sustainability while providing a comfortable family residence that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a solar chimney for natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Incorporates locally sourced palm wood for structural integrity.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
04
Designed with flexible spaces for future adaptability and expansion.
05
Incorporates native landscaping to promote ecological balance.

## Overview
Located in the UAE, the residence integrates aspects of Emirati culture within a contemporary architectural framework. The intent is to create a sustainable living environment that balances modern comforts with traditional values. Key features include renewable energy solutions, emphasizing solar power, to support an energy-efficient lifestyle in the region.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The interior layout effectively distinguishes between public and private areas, facilitating both social interaction and privacy. Significant spaces include the *majlis*, designed for hospitality, and a dining area that fosters familial engagement. Bedrooms and bathrooms prioritize comfort and privacy, each connected to outdoor spaces to enhance airflow and natural lighting. The design accommodates future expansion, positioning spaces that allow residents to adapt their living environment as needs evolve.

### Materiality and Sustainable Features
Materials have been selected for their sustainability, functionality, and economic viability. Locally sourced palm wood serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, while concrete is used for its durability. A metal facade incorporated into the solar chimney system contributes to energy efficiency. Additional sustainable elements include an intelligently designed solar chimney that enhances ventilation and temperature regulation, as well as optimal orientation that maximizes natural light and airflow. Landscape pathways integrating local flora further promote biodiversity and enhance the ecological aspects of the site.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy