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Vertical Gardens and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Living in Natural Timber Framework

Vertical Gardens and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Living in Natural Timber Framework
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Incorporating wind catchers and vertical gardens within a natural timber framework, this residence in Dubai harmonizes environmental sensitivity with functionality to create a sustainable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind catchers for natural ventilation.
02
Features vertical gardens that enhance air quality and aesthetics.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Uses charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Emphasizes outdoor living with multiple private terraces for residents.

# Analytical Report on the Iqbal Home Project in Dubai

## Project Overview

Located in a densely populated area of Dubai, the Iqbal Home project integrates sustainable architectural practices with a focus on cultural heritage. The design responds to the region's extreme climatic conditions while addressing contemporary living requirements. The intent is to blend traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern functionality, ensuring both aesthetic integrity and practicality.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The layout of the Iqbal Home is designed to promote both privacy and community interaction. The ground floor features a spacious garage, a service block, guest accommodations, and private outdoor areas, facilitating ease of access to shared living spaces. On the first floor, bedrooms include private terraces that not only optimize views but also provide quiet retreats from communal areas. The thoughtful arrangement exemplifies a balance between openness and intimacy, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Architectural Features and Sustainability

Key architectural elements include a wind catcher (Malqaf), which utilizes natural ventilation to maintain indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, intricately designed Mashrabiya screens offer privacy and filter light and air, enriching the living environment. The integration of vertical gardens throughout the property enhances natural aesthetics and improves air quality, aligning with sustainable practices.

The project incorporates a range of eco-friendly elements, such as strategically placed solar panels and systems that ensure optimal ventilation. This commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the circulation patterns designed to promote ease of movement while minimizing energy use. The Iqbal Home serves as a model for environmentally responsible residential design that honors its cultural context.

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

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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.

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

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Recurring architecture competitions

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
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