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Sustainable Oasis Featuring Traditional Windcatchers and Locally Sourced Materials in Desert Climate

Authors:
Neil Jude TaÑara Valencia, Florabelle Caloy
Sustainable Oasis Featuring Traditional Windcatchers and Locally Sourced Materials in Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional windcatchers and locally sourced sandstone, the design optimizes passive cooling strategies to create a sustainable living space tailored for the desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional windcatchers for natural ventilation.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances airflow and light.
03
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone to maintain environmental harmony.
04
Includes bioretention basins for efficient water management.
05
Integrates vertical gardens to improve indoor air quality.

**Project Overview**
The "House of the Future - Oasis of the Past" is situated in the UAE's desert environment, seamlessly integrating modern eco-sustainability with traditional Emirati architectural elements. This design addresses both climatic challenges and cultural heritage, focusing on self-sustainability and passive cooling strategies that utilize local resources effectively.

**Spatial Layout and Connectivity**
The structure features a compact footprint of 122m x 122m, utilizing a rectangular form that enhances efficiency and minimizes construction materials through a grid module approach. The layout distinctively separates public and private areas, with a central courtyard serving as the focal point of the residence. This courtyard promotes natural light and ventilation, while rooms are strategically arranged around it to facilitate fluid movement and connection among different living spaces. Vertical gardens and strategically placed openings further enhance air circulation, contributing to a natural cooling system essential for the arid climate.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
A deliberate selection of materials underpins the project’s ecological framework. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks offer lightweight insulation, while locally sourced sandstone connects the structure to its geographical context. Rockwool insulation enhances thermal performance, and a sedum roof provides an efficient green roofing solution that requires minimal upkeep in the desert climate. Integrated solar roof tiles harness solar energy, contributing to overall energy efficiency. The incorporation of vertical garden systems not only improves indoor air quality but also aids in temperature regulation. Additionally, bioretention basins are utilized for greywater recycling, reinforcing sustainable water management practices within the residence.

The inclusion of traditional design features, such as windcatchers and stack ventilation strategies, further emphasizes the intent to harmonize modern living with age-old practices. The architecture intentionally respects and integrates with the existing landscape, fostering biodiversity and ecological stewardship while setting a precedent for future residential designs in similar environments.

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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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