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Thermal Mass of Limestone Combined With Earth-Air Design Enhances Family Connectivity in Residential Spaces

Author:
Alejandra Torres Amezcua
Thermal Mass of Limestone Combined With Earth-Air Design Enhances Family Connectivity in Residential Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing a ventilated façade and an earth-air cooling system, this residence integrates limestone and oak to forge interconnected living spaces that promote family unity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a ventilated façade to enhance natural airflow and humidity control.
02
Integrates an earth-air cooling system for energy-efficient temperature regulation.
03
Features an interior garden that connects various living spaces to promote family interaction.
04
Employs limestone for thermal mass, optimizing energy retention in the arid climate.
05
Incorporates solar panels and wind turbines for renewable energy generation.

## Overview
Located in the UAE, Salat investigates the themes of familial unity and interpersonal connectivity within domestic environments. The design aims to create spaces that promote well-being and facilitate intergenerational exchanges of wisdom, while embodying functionality and aesthetic coherence.

## Spatial Configuration and Experience
The layout promotes interaction through open and interconnected spaces. The ground floor integrates an outdoor garden with social areas, such as living and dining rooms, while private zones are organized on the upper levels. A central skylight serves as a vertical axis, enhancing the flow of natural light throughout the interiors. This spatial strategy also reinforces emotional well-being by encouraging family engagement in varied settings.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a combination of traditional and modern materials to achieve visual harmony and improved performance. Limestone is utilized for its durability and climate adaptability, particularly suitable for the arid environment. Oak wood flooring enhances the warmth of the interiors, and extensive glass facades optimize natural light.

Sustainable practices are integral to the design, featuring a ventilated façade for improved air circulation and indoor air quality. Renewable energy solutions, including photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, support energy independence. Additionally, an earth-air tunnel system effectively regulates temperature while minimizing energy consumption and costs. Greywater recycling systems further contribute to sustainable water management, highlighting a commitment to eco-friendly architectural practices.

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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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