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Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation in Limestone and Timber Home Design

Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation in Limestone and Timber Home Design
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Combining limestone's thermal mass with timber's structural qualities, the design enhances natural ventilation to create a functional residential space tailored for the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a traditional badgir to enhance passive cooling.
02
Utilizes high-inertia limestone for effective thermal mass.
03
Incorporates bespoke timber lattice screens for natural light management.
04
Strategically oriented to minimize heat gain from direct sunlight.
05
Integrates an outdoor lounge that flows seamlessly with indoor spaces.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the Al Naseem Timeless Breeze project embodies a relationship between contemporary architectural practices and traditional Emirati design. The intent of the project is to create a residential space that reflects local cultural heritage while addressing the climatic challenges of the region. By integrating elements such as wind catchers and latticework, the design promotes a connection to history while ensuring modern living standards.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout adopts a north-south orientation to minimize direct sun exposure and heat gain. The ground floor incorporates defined functional zones, including living areas, dining spaces, and a prayer room, which serve both family dynamics and privacy needs. Shared spaces are designed to foster communal living while ensuring comfort and accessibility.

On the first floor, bedrooms and family lounges are arranged to enhance privacy and maximize natural light. Features such as terraces and wind catchers are strategically placed to promote ventilation, facilitating a connection to the outdoor environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Locally sourced materials play a crucial role in the project. High-inertia wall materials like limestone and stone aggregates are employed for their thermal mass properties, helping to maintain indoor temperatures. Timber elements are included for doors and structural accents, adding warmth to the interiors. Traditional clay and terracotta are used in the mashrabiyah, providing both shading and airflow.

Sustainability is a key focus, with passive cooling strategies integrated to diminish reliance on mechanical air conditioning. The wind catcher effectively captures cooler breezes and directs them into living spaces, enhancing indoor comfort. The design also features a vented ecosystem that optimizes air circulation between residences and water elements within courtyards, contributing to thermal regulation and humidity control.

These structural and material choices reinforce the project's commitment to blending cultural significance with environmental responsiveness, setting a precedent for future developments in the region.

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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.

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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