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Vertical Gardens and Passive Cooling Techniques in Modular Housing With Local Materials

Authors:
Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim Albadawy Shawareb, Fasna K K, Abd Alhadi Mostafa Thuraia , Shruti Patel
Vertical Gardens and Passive Cooling Techniques in Modular Housing With Local Materials

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and innovative passive cooling techniques, this modular housing solution utilizes local materials to create adaptable living spaces that foster community engagement and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular components allow residents to easily adapt living spaces over time.
02
Integrates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and aesthetics.
03
Employs wind towers for natural ventilation, reducing energy consumption.
04
Utilizes local materials, reinforcing cultural identity and sustainability.
05
Features rainwater harvesting systems to promote resource conservation.
The O-House architectural project is a contemporary residential design located in the United Arab Emirates. It embodies the integration of modern living with cultural heritage, responding effectively to the unique climatic and societal needs of the region. Drawing from local architectural traditions, the O-House incorporates innovative design elements aimed at enhancing living conditions through flexibility, sustainability, and community engagement.

The O-House is structured around a modular concept, offering adaptable living spaces tailored to family dynamics. The architecture employs a series of interconnected units called "InnoCubes," which can be rearranged or expanded based on the occupants' requirements. This flexibility ensures the design can evolve alongside the family, fostering a sense of permanency while accommodating growth.

Design features include open courtyards that promote natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. The materiality of the project is significant, utilizing concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth and aesthetic appeal, and glass elements to enhance connectivity with the external environment. Masonry is employed in non-load-bearing components, reinforcing the local architectural lexicon while ensuring durability.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of this architectural endeavor. Key strategies include rainwater harvesting systems and vertical gardens that contribute to ecological diversity and urban greening. Passive cooling techniques, such as wind towers, create a more energy-efficient living environment, demonstrating an awareness of both ecological impact and occupant comfort.

Unique Design Approaches

The O-House distinguishes itself through its focus on adaptive modular design, which allows for seamless spatial reconfiguration, making it suitable for various living scenarios. This approach emphasizes the residents' agency, creating a home that evolves with their lifestyle changes rather than dictating a static living experience. Such versatility is not typically prevalent in conventional residential architecture, where layouts are often rigidly defined.

Furthermore, communal spaces are a vital aspect of the O-House, promoting social interaction and fostering a sense of community among residents. This intentional design choice caters to the cultural importance of family and community gatherings in the UAE, positioning the O-House not merely as a residence but as a hub for social engagement. Additionally, the integration of smart home technology provides residents with tools to manage energy use efficiently, aligning with modern expectations of connectivity and environmental responsibility.

Adaptive Features and Community Engagement

The project’s innovative engagement with natural resources is evident in its architectural plans and sections, facilitating a living environment that encourages sustainable practices. Residents are invited to participate in communal gardening initiatives, enhancing both their personal well-being and the ecological richness of their surroundings. This interaction not only builds a stronger community connection but also supports local biodiversity.

The O-House encapsulates pertinent architectural ideas that address current environmental concerns while respecting cultural legacies. With its modular design, sustainable materials, and emphasis on community, this project serves as a viable template for future residential architecture in the region.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural details, design frameworks, and spatial organization, readers are encouraged to review related architectural plans, sections, and designs that showcase the comprehensive design approach of the O-House project.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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