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Thermal Mass and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Coastal Housing

Authors:
Chenghui Nan, Lin Cui
Thermal Mass and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Coastal Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind-catchers and utilizing thermal mass, this coastal housing solution effectively enhances natural ventilation while providing a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind-catchers for enhanced air circulation.
02
Utilizes thermal mass for natural temperature regulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for structural efficiency.
04
Constructed with durable concrete and expansive glass elements.
05
Integrates rounded forms to improve aesthetic cohesion with the coastal environment.

### Project Overview
Located in Jumeirah Bay Beach, Dubai, UAE, the Wind Waker project was developed for the House of the Future Architecture Competition. The design integrates elements of traditional Chinese Yao Dong architecture with Arab Malqaf features, creating an architectural expression that is responsive to cultural narratives and environmental conditions in a dynamic urban context.

### Cultural Synthesis and Environmental Adaptation
The project strategically combines design philosophies from two distinct cultures, emphasizing thermal comfort and passive cooling. Yao Dong features, which rely on underground thermal mass, address Dubai's extreme temperatures, while the incorporation of Malqaf towers enhances natural ventilation through effective air circulation. This approach not only fosters comfort but also serves as a dialogue between different architectural traditions, illustrating how they can coexist and inform contemporary design.

### Spatial Organization and Material Choices
The layout prioritizes family interaction alongside private retreats, with common spaces fluidly connecting to private areas. The exterior showcases a fluid form characterized by rounded corners and wave-like surfaces, complemented by materials such as concrete for durability and expansive glass for natural light and views. Interior spaces utilize hardwood flooring for warmth, ceramic tiles for practicality, and resilient countertop finishes, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Features inspired by Yao Dong and Malqaf collectively contribute to a sustainable living environment, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and enhancing the overall user experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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