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Wind Catcher and Breeze Block Design in a Modern Family Residence

Author:
Huda Ali Hamad Eissa Almahri
Wind Catcher and Breeze Block Design in a Modern Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing a wind catcher and breeze blocks for natural ventilation, the design incorporates an inner courtyard that connects indoor and outdoor spaces, catering to modern family living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a wind catcher to enhance natural air circulation throughout the home.
02
Incorporates breeze blocks in the façade for ventilation while maintaining visual appeal.
03
Features an inner courtyard that promotes interaction with nature from interior spaces.
04
Designed with strategic orientation to optimize passive cooling and thermal comfort.
05
Integrates a herb garden within the kitchen, emphasizing sustainable living practices.

### Project Overview

Located on a 450 square meter plot, the design seeks to reinterpret the efficient spatial and environmental strategies of traditional housing. By integrating historical concepts such as wind cooling and natural privacy, the structure develops a contextually relevant response to contemporary living needs. The two-story building serves as an exploration of modern usability while honoring established architectural wisdom.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The ground floor layout includes essential functions such as parking, reception, living and dining areas, a kitchen featuring a herb garden, and a dedicated laundry room. This arrangement promotes spatial flow and operational efficiency. The first floor accommodates four bedrooms, each with attached bathrooms, alongside a gym and additional living areas. This configuration meets current familial needs while providing privacy and convenience.

### Materiality and Environmental Performance

Key materials such as breeze blocks, selected for their aesthetic and ventilatory properties, are utilized in the façade design. Furthermore, glass windows are incorporated to maximize natural light while ensuring privacy. The use of concrete and steel offers structural integrity and durability, supporting significant spans. The interior courtyard and garden enhance the connection to nature, promoting cooling and recreational spaces. Passive climate control strategies—including the wind catcher and careful orientation of openings—effectively enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort, underscoring the project's commitment to sustainability.

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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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