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Vegetated Roof Garden and Barjeel Integration in Sustainable Prefabricated Housing

Authors:
David Cameron Thompson, Rhiannon Chloe Williams, Leah Alwyn Charlton
Vegetated Roof Garden and Barjeel Integration in Sustainable Prefabricated Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating a vegetated roof garden and a traditional Barjeel, this sustainably designed prefabricated residence promotes natural ventilation and energy efficiency while providing a cohesive family living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a Barjeel for natural cooling and ventilation.
02
Utilizes prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
04
Includes a vegetated roof garden to promote local biodiversity.
05
Designed with modular components for future adaptability.

## Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, this architectural design incorporates traditional Emirati elements within a contemporary framework, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovative construction techniques. The project aims to foster communal living while balancing privacy and climate adaptability, which is critical in the region's hot desert environment.

### Cultural Integration and Architectural Features

The design incorporates three significant cultural features: the Barjeel (Wind Tower), Cooling Courtyard, and Mashrabiya. Each element has been thoughtfully integrated to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

- **Barjeel (Wind Tower)**: Functions as a natural ventilation system, channeling cooling breezes into the interior while integrating turbines for energy harnessing.
- **Cooling Courtyard**: Central to the layout, this feature fosters community interaction and provides natural cooling, connecting various living spaces in a shaded environment.
- **Mashrabiya**: Wooden lattice screens serve to shield interior spaces from direct sunlight while maintaining privacy, utilizing modern solar shading techniques to optimize natural light.

### Material Selection and Construction Approach

The project employs Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) for prefabricated construction, focusing on reducing waste and streamlining the building process. This choice supports:

- **Efficiency**: Minimization of construction waste and on-site assembly time.
- **Adaptability**: A modular design that allows for future expansion in both vertical and horizontal directions.

**Materials utilized include**:
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)
- Timber for Mashrabiya
- Concrete segments created through 3D printing
- Vegetated roof garden components
- Solar panels
- Materials for reflective pools

### Spatial Organization and Community Focus

A well-considered spatial layout promotes adjacency and community engagement. The ground floor features interconnected functional areas, including the living room, dining area, kitchen, and maid/driver quarters, all arranged around the Cooling Courtyard to enhance connectivity and ventilation. Spaces designated for family gatherings, known as Majlis, reflect cultural practices adapted to contemporary living.

The upper floors consist of bedrooms strategically positioned around the central courtyard, allowing for privacy while maintaining cohesion with the overall design.

### Sustainability Measures

The project integrates a multifaceted sustainability strategy, emphasizing energy generation, water management, and passive cooling techniques:

- **Vegetated Roof Garden**: Provides energy absorption and environmental benefits.
- **Wind Turbines**: Incorporated into the Barjeel to utilize natural wind currents for energy production.
- **Solar Panels**: Positioned to optimize sunlight exposure and enhance energy generation capabilities.
- **Reflective Pools**: Serve both aesthetic and functional cooling purposes in shared spaces.

This design exemplifies the integration of traditional architecture with modern technology and sustainability practices, reshaping the framework for contemporary Emirati homes while addressing environmental challenges.

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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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