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Earth-Clad Residential Design with Thermal Efficiency and Ventilated Mesh Screens

Authors:
Anique Azhar Shore, Ahad Ayaz
Earth-Clad Residential Design with Thermal Efficiency and Ventilated Mesh Screens

Project in-detail

The residence uses local earth cladding and a ventilated mesh screen to improve thermal efficiency and create a family-friendly living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a ventilated mesh screen system to optimize natural airflow and reduce heat gain.
02
Incorporates locally sourced earth cladding, enhancing the building’s thermal performance.
03
Features extensive green roofing to promote biodiversity and improve insulation.
04
Adopts a modular design approach for flexibility in future expansions and adaptations.
05
Includes curved skylights that maximize daylight while minimizing glare and energy consumption.

Transcendence House is an architectural project that demonstrates the integration of traditional Emirati architectural principles with contemporary sustainable design solutions. This structure is designed to enhance the quality of life for Emirati families while proactively addressing environmental challenges specific to the region.

The approach emphasizes functionality, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to sustainable living practices. It features a carefully curated sequence of interconnected spaces that promote seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. A central courtyard serves as a focal point, fostering communal gathering and family interaction while facilitating natural ventilation. This spatial arrangement prioritizes resident comfort, making efficiency and livability core design objectives.

Innovative Passive Design Strategies and Materiality

A defining characteristic of house is its application of passive design strategies inspired by traditional Emirati architecture. The incorporation of a ventilated mesh screen system serves a dual purpose, providing essential shade while promoting airflow to naturally cool interior spaces. This feature reduces reliance on mechanical air conditioning systems and imparts a distinct aesthetic character to the building's facade.

Strategically positioned curved skylights maximize natural light penetration within living areas, minimizing the need for artificial illumination during daylight hours. The selection of locally sourced materials, including prefabricated earth cladding and steel frame structures, underscores a commitment to both sustainability and regional identity. These materials are chosen for their low environmental impact and durability, ensuring the building's resilience to the local climate while preserving its aesthetic integrity.

Integration of Sustainable Technologies and Adaptability

Transcendence House incorporates advanced technologies such as solar energy solutions and green roofing systems. These elements synergize to create an energy-efficient residence that minimizes its ecological footprint. Green roofs provide effective insulation and contribute to biodiversity within the urban environment, reflecting current trends in sustainable architecture. Residents benefit from a multifunctional layout that balances privacy in personal spaces with opportunities for interaction in communal areas.

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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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