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Water Feature and Natural Ventilation in a Sandy Concrete Residence with Cultural Heritage Elements

Author:
Camilo Da Cunha Bastos Rodrigues Rebelo
Water Feature and Natural Ventilation in a Sandy Concrete Residence with Cultural Heritage Elements

Project in-detail

Incorporating a central water feature and natural ventilation strategies, the residence utilizes sandy concrete and local ceramic tiles to reflect the cultural heritage of Qatar while providing functional living spaces for communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes sandy concrete for thermal efficiency and local aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a central courtyard designed for natural cooling and ventilation.
03
Incorporates local ceramic tiles to reflect cultural heritage.
04
Integrates vertical access systems for enhanced mobility across floors.
05
Design includes expansive open areas to promote communal interaction.

## Overview
Located in Qatar, the design of the Qatari House reflects a contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural forms, aiming to enhance both private and communal living experiences. Developed as part of an architecture competition, the project seeks to establish a dialogue between heritage and functionality, creating spaces that respond to the needs of modern residents while honoring regional building practices.

### Spatial Arrangement
The design strategically differentiates between public and private areas. The upper levels encompass personal living quarters, ensuring privacy, while the ground and underground floors are dedicated to social interaction. This arrangement facilitates movement throughout the house while allowing residents to maintain a sense of seclusion when desired. Key architectural features, such as a central courtyard, further enhance natural ventilation and light distribution, serving as a focal point for both aesthetics and environmental comfort.

### Materiality and Natural Integration
The material choices in this project are fundamental to both the sensory experience and the environmental strategy. A combination of a steel frame, sandy concrete, and local ceramics provides structural integrity and cultural resonance. The use of marble tiles in the interior spaces reflects a commitment to luxury while allowing for effective light manipulation. Additionally, the incorporation of a central courtyard with a water feature not only demonstrates traditional cooling methods but also contributes to the overall thermal comfort essential in the desert climate. Landscaping elements, including palm trees, enhance the visual appeal and ensure shaded areas for cooling, reinforcing the connection between the constructed environment and its natural surroundings.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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