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Sustainable Living Through Stabilized Mud Blocks and Effective Cross-Ventilation

Author:
Hasan Abdulhadi Ali Mansoor Hasan Naser
Sustainable Living Through Stabilized Mud Blocks and Effective Cross-Ventilation

Project in-detail

Utilizing stabilized mud blocks for thermal efficiency and strategically designed wooden shading elements, the residence integrates sustainable practices while providing a comfortable family living environment in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stabilized mud blocks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates traditional wooden screens for effective sun shading and privacy.
03
Features a central courtyard that promotes natural ventilation and outdoor living.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
05
Designed with a flexible floor plan catering to varying family structures.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Traditional Future House exhibits an innovative blend of modern design and traditional architectural principles. The project emphasizes sustainable living while honoring the cultural heritage of the region. The two-level structure encompasses four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and dressing area, effectively catering to contemporary lifestyles within the unique climatic context of the UAE.

### Sustainability and Climate Adaptation

The design prioritizes sustainability through key elements such as cantilevered shades to minimize direct sunlight while permitting natural light to permeate indoor spaces. Airflow management systems are incorporated to enhance cross-ventilation, a critical factor in maintaining comfort in the region's hot climate. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system is implemented to optimize resource use for garden maintenance, and local materials are favored to reduce the carbon footprint associated with construction.

### Spatial Organization and Materiality

The ground floor's spatial organization reveals an open yard that serves as an inviting entry point, leading into a sunken sitting area and designated dining spaces, including a service kitchen. The first floor accommodates additional private areas, featuring three bedrooms and a maid's room, structured around a central hallway. Notably, stabilized mud blocks serve as the primary material for their insulation properties and low environmental impact, while wooden slatted screens, reminiscent of traditional mashrabiya, provide both aesthetic appeal and functional shading. The upper floor includes a roof deck designed for utility, enhancing the home's overall efficiency without compromising its visual elements.

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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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