Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Gardens and Wind Towers in Sustainable Family Housing

Authors:
Alexander Herrera-rojas, Rafael Andres Dominguez Alarcon, Katarzyna ZiÓŁkowska
Vertical Gardens and Wind Towers in Sustainable Family Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and a wind tower for natural ventilation, this residential design emphasizes sustainable living while offering a functional and inviting space for family gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a wind tower for passive cooling and natural ventilation.
02
Features vertical gardens integrated into the facade for improved air quality.
03
Constructed using prefabricated elements to optimize assembly efficiency.
04
Utilizes timber shutters for privacy while enhancing light control.
05
Includes a majlis space designed for cultural gatherings and community interaction.

## Project Overview

DUBiHIVE is located in Dubai, reflecting the city's contemporary design ethos while incorporating traditional influences. The project aims to provide an innovative and sustainable living environment, prioritizing both the well-being of residents and environmental stewardship through thoughtful architectural solutions.

### Spatial Configuration and Cultural Integration

The design is organized over two levels, ensuring a functional flow that encourages social interaction while respecting individual privacy. The ground floor features a majlis, dining room, kitchen, utility spaces, and direct access to an outdoor swimming pool through a landscaped garden. On the first floor, private bedrooms are arranged along shared corridors, promoting community ties within a culturally relevant framework. This layout acknowledges Emirati traditions, where multifunctional spaces adapt to evolving family needs.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Identity

DUBiHIVE employs a diverse array of materials designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, offering durability. Natural timber introduces warmth, complemented by large glass openings that maximize daylight. Plaster finishes contribute to visual smoothness, and fiberboard used in internal partitions supports lightweight construction. Additionally, natural mineral insulation is utilized for improved energy efficiency. The strategic inclusion of foliage and vertical gardens not only beautifies the environment but also enhances indoor air quality.

### Sustainability Strategies

The project incorporates multiple sustainability features to optimize energy use and minimize environmental impact. A wind tower facilitates passive ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof harness solar energy, while accompanying solar batteries ensure long-term energy independence. Water management systems, including greywater recycling, further promote resource efficiency. By prioritizing ample natural light and access to green spaces, DUBiHIVE fosters a healthy living environment that supports the physical and psychological well-being of its inhabitants.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy