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Thermal Efficiency Through 3D-Printed Clay and Photovoltaic Integration in Residential Design

Authors:
Omar Brahem, Jihen Jmal, Zied Nasri, Lotfi Ben Slimane, Feriel Ouni
Thermal Efficiency Through 3D-Printed Clay and Photovoltaic Integration in Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing hydroponic clay fences and a windcatcher for passive cooling, the design enhances energy efficiency while fostering community interaction within a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional *Malgaf* windcatcher for natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates hydroponic clay fences to improve air quality.
03
Employs 3D printing technology for customized clay wall construction.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels seamlessly into the roof design.
05
Features a central patio for enhanced community interaction and cooling.

# House of Breeze

## Overview
Located in the arid landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the House of Breeze integrates traditional architectural elements with modern sustainable technologies. The design aims to create a residential space that promotes eco-friendly living while addressing the climatic challenges of the region. Key principles include passive cooling and energy efficiency, achieved through careful consideration of natural ventilation and the thermal properties of materials.

## Spatial Strategy
At the core of the design is a focus on optimizing airflow and natural lighting. The layout employs simple geometric forms, evolving into a complex arrangement centered around a communal patio that encourages family interaction. The building orientation is strategically positioned to take advantage of prevailing winds, fostering a natural cooling effect throughout the interior. This approach promotes not just utility but also a sense of community within the dwelling.

### Key Architectural Elements
The façade features a dynamic composition of solid and void spaces, with semi-porous walls designed to enhance thermal performance. Palm-frond patterns serve both an aesthetic and functional role, facilitating airflow and creating a microclimate. The interior is organized into distinct zones, separating communal and private spaces, which include living areas on the ground floor and bedrooms on the upper level.

## Material Strategy
The House of Breeze utilizes locally sourced stone for external walls, creating a connection with the desert environment. Key materials include 3D printed clay bricks designed to support natural ventilation, and integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof for solar energy generation. Strategically placed glass elements enhance natural light while maintaining connectivity to the external landscape. A hydroponic clay fence not only acts as a biofilter but also contributes to aesthetic value and biodiversity, complementing the sustainable ethos of the project.

### Sustainable Systems
Innovative systems such as the El Malgaf wind-catch are employed to enhance indoor air quality by directing cooler air from upper floors to living spaces below. The commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the integration of renewable energy sources and passive cooling techniques, ensuring minimal energy consumption. The hydroponic clay fence also supports community engagement through vertical gardening initiatives, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared resources among neighbors.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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